U.S. Postal Stamp Features Endangered Species

Published: August 05, 2009

There’s great news for animal lovers following the introduction of a new postage stamp by the United States Postal Service (USPS) featuring a polar bear—a species that was declared endangered by the U.S. government last year.

The 28-cent, postcard rate polar bear stamp represents wildlife and conservation, which the USPS believes will appeal to every stamp collector. MACtac® supplied the pressure-sensitive adhesive label materials for the 350 million stamps printed.

“With a broad variety of stamp image options available, it really speaks volumes to the polar bear's popularity and appeal that it has made a reoccurring appearance on postage stamps through the years,” says Allison Hazel, marketing manager, MACtac Printing Products. “MACtac is pleased to be a part of honoring such a powerful and magnificent animal and bringing awareness to the environmental concerns impacting its survival.”

Designed by artist Nancy Stahl, the new stamp portrays the bear's head, chest and front paws, surrounded by a nighttime sky of stars. Stahl created the illustration based on a series of photographs of the endangered species.

MACtac has been a qualified supplier for USPS stamps for more than six years, providing materials for a number of pressure sensitive stamps, including “Forever,” “Flags of Our Nation,” “Olympic Games,” “Wedding Rings” and “The Simpsons.”