Colder than usual temperatures have seemed to accelerate this polar bear season somewhat so that the annual chatter about an early freeze-up of the Hudson Bay is happening again. This ominous discourse always brings dread to the community and travel companies since an early freeze is followed by polar bears heading to the ice in search of seal protein and fat reserves from these meals.
In the meantime we have a plethora of incredible polar bear and other Arctic wildlife being captured by photographers in Churchill. This video from Explore.org is pretty special and there will be more to come. Enjoy!
Polar bear stats for Churchill over the last week. Town of Churchill image.
Churchill this year begins to resemble an outdoor zoo with the residents of the town living within the polar bear exhibit. However, this is the wilds of the sub – Arctic region where polar bears are king and people reside in their natural habitat. The warning to be extra vigilant when walking and leaving your home is real and serious. Please be careful out there all times of day but especially at night and early morning! Polar bears are extremely hungry this time of year.
Another great close up of a polar bear near mile 5 in Churchill. Jodi Grosbrink photo.
With fresh snow on the ground in Churchill, these polar bear images are an indication that winter is creeping into the region. Polar bears are being spotted out in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area as well as along the coast road and near the Mile Five area too. The early snowfall has contributed to more active polar bears along access roads and areas accessible to travelers. We will be posting more frequent field notes and images now that the polar bear season is roaring with bears! In the meantime enjoy these fantastic photos from Churchill!
Polar bear family huddles together near the willows along the coast. Jodi Grosbrink photo.
Polar bear mother with her two healthy cubs in Churchill. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
A polar bear looks curiously from a snowbank near mile 5 in Churchill. Jodi Grosbrink photo.
“Oh no, not another photo.” Polar bear in the snow. Jodi Grosbrink photo.
Another great close up of a polar bear near mile 5 in Churchill. Jodi Grosbrink photo.
Resting polar bear out near mile 5 in Churchill. Jodi Grosbrink photo.
Kal Barteski’s amazing journey in Manitoba culminates in Churchill where she falls in love with the Hudson Bay outpost amidst regal polar bears and the dancing northern lights. Of course curious beluga whales are one of the major draws of the region as well. Enjoy!
These early season photos from Churchill give us a wide array of the Arctic wildlife on display this time of year. We call it polar bear season though the tundra is inhabited by many other creatures as well. Some years are more abundant with certain species than others and this year there seems to be an Arctic fox rejuvenation after a couple of down years. Arctic hare and of course the king of the Arctic the polar bear always seem to have a steady presence in and around the Churchill region.
We are just getting into the heart of polar bear season in Churchill and there will surely be some incredible stories and more images to come. Enjoy!
An Arctic hare in the shelter of the rocks in Churchill. Mike Shron photo.
An Arctic Fox roams the tundra in search of a meal. Mike Shron photo.
Churchill sled dog excited to see some visitors. Mike Shron photo.
Snowy owl perched on the Churchill tundra. Mike Shron photo.
Polar bear on the rocks in front of the Ithaca shipwreck in Churchill. Mike Shron photo.
Polar bear scavenging the tundra along the Hudson Bay coast. Mike Shron photo.
Polar bear up close and personal in Churchill. Mike Shron photo.
