August, 2015 - Churchill Polar Bears

Fireweed Polar Bears

by Steve Selden | Aug 21, 2015 | Churchill Photography

Dennis Fast from Churchill captured these magnificent colorful polar bear shots in glowing fireweed. The unique photos were published by CBC News to highlight the way polar bears playfully interact with their surrounding environment. We view them most of the year in snowy settings, however with sea ice melting earlier in the Spring, polar bears are arriving on the coastal lowlands earlier and more often throughout the Arctic summer months.

Churchill Video of the Week-Polar Bear Cage

by Steve Selden | Aug 20, 2015 | Videos

An up close look at what confronting a polar bear in the wild might look and feel like. Scottish filmmaker Gordon Buchanon withstands the tenacious onslaught of a 700lb polar bear trying to sample him for a meal. For over Forty five minutes the bear probed the plexiglass cage in the chilled Arctic air searching for weak spots. Even knowing there’s a solid layer of protection between you and the polar bear can raise more than a few hairs on the back of your neck!

Beluga Feeding Fest

by Steve Selden | Aug 18, 2015 | Churchill Photography

This photograph of a beluga whale pod feeding on capelin in the Churchill River illustrates how focused these mammals are when taking on a task. When they feed they will ignore any whale watching boats. However when they have had their fill the whales will become extremely focused on the zodiacs and bigger boats and become very curious. Biding time on the water while the beluga’s get their fill is certainly worth the wait!

Beluga whales concentrating on getting capelin. Alex De Vries-Magnifico photo.

Churchill Photos of the Week

by Steve Selden | Aug 17, 2015 | Churchill Photography

Churchill is winding down from the summer season and it won’t be long before polar bears outnumber Churchillians in this part of the world. Polar bear season is two months away and bears are already appearing in this frontier town on the Hudson Bay. Here are some classic photographs to inspire adventure in everyone.

Largest polar bear recorded; 2,209 lbs.
Dan Guravich photo.

Curious polar bear and curious onlookers. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.

Polar bears in Churchill. Melissa Scott Photo.

Polar bear sow and cub out near Halfway Point. Stephanie Fernandez photo.

Notes from the Field – Churchill Arctic Summer

by Steve Selden | Aug 16, 2015 | Tour News

Natural Habitat Adventures guide Moira LePatourel and her last group of travelers in Churchill’s Arctic summer had a full compliment northern phenomenon. “We had the full sub-arctic experience on our final trip” Le Patourel stated. Two nights of aurora viewing and the first arctic fox sighting of the season gave this trip a unique personality shared by a very excited group of travelers. Northern lights become prevalent late at night in August and it’s always a thrill when groups see them in summer. Memories that will burn forever!

Natural Habitat Group in Churchill. Moira LePatourel photo.

The group also had the fortune to spot and observe four polar bears over the week. One polar bear was swimming in the Hudson Bay and another resting peacefully on the smooth, rocky Precambrian shield. Another mom and her cub were seen over in Button Bay lounging on the beach getting suntans.

Polar bear mom and cub on the beach at Button Bay. Moira LePatourel photo.

Polar bears resting on the beach. Moira LePatourel photo.

An incredible bounty of belugas crowded the Hudson Bay and Churchill River all week as the last stage of summer plays itself out. “We also got to hear the cello being played on the explore.org research boat and saw the whales come swimming over in response to musician Rob’s music. All that and the sun shining for most of our trip too! Couldn’t have asked for a better finale.” expressed LePatourel.