Churchill Polar Bear Report – Winter Looming

Winter is coming. Although it was a sunny day on the tundra, the sub-freezing temperatures were sustaining. After travelers enjoyed a red fox at sunrise, the day’s activities were dominated by bear viewing. Recently, polar bears have been spotted checking the pond ice. To the amusement of some tundra explorers, a bear had a little slip through the soft ice. Other polar bears had better luck on the ice, most notably a mother and cubs. The rest of the morning was filled with active bears across the tundra. Some remained further away, while plenty of others were very curious about the tundra vehicles. Coincidentally, a young female enjoyed a kelp salad as the vehicles were parked for lunch. As winter sets in, tracks from polar bears and other animals are becoming more obvious, and visitors can get a good sense of the less noticeable activity on the tundra.

churchill polar bears

A polar bear hunkered down in the rocks to wait out the ice-free days. Discover Churchill photo.

Churchill Photos of the Week

Some awesome images by local photographer Alex De Vries – Magnifico in Churchill. The season has come to an end and ice covers the Hudson Bay as far as the eye can see. Polar bears have begun their winter seal hunting and will return to Churchill in the late spring.Enjoy these parting shots from polar bear season 2016!

polar bear in Churchill, Manitoba

Polar bear gazing out at the Hudson Bay. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

polar bear lift churchill, Manitoba

Preparing for a polar bear lift. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

polar bear liftChurchill, Manitoba

Lifting off with polar bear in tow. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

polar bear lift Churchill, Manitoba

Heading north with polar bear in the cargo net. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

polar bear lift Churchill, Manitoba

Natural Habitat Adventures group looking on at the polar bear lift. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

natural habitat group under northern lights Churchill, Manitoba

Natural Habitat Adventures group photo under the northern lights. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

 polar bear end of season Churchill, Manitoba

The “end’ of polar bear season. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.

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