by Steve Selden | Dec 11, 2014 | Videos
The Arctic fox is primarily a carnivore that lives inland, away from coasts. However, in recent years we have seen a notable increase in numbers spotted along coastal areas and out on developing sea ice.
Lemmings constitute the main diet of the animal though they also prey on seabirds and their eggs as well as various marine life along the coast. The lemming population tends to exist on a wavering scale from season to season. With those fluctuations we also see yearly changes within the population of Arctic fox in the Churchill region. When the rodent population decreases, foxes head out onto the Hudson Bay pack ice and survive on seal or other marine kills from polar bears. One can clearly see how the delicate web of life in the Arctic is reliant on opportunistic principles of survival.
Want to see these majestic creatures and polar bears in the wild? Visit nathab.com to see how.
by Steve Selden | Dec 9, 2014 | Churchill Photography
Nearly all polar bears in the Churchill area have ventured onto the Hudson Bay pack ice. Although the northern winter seems unending in the far north, the time for polar bears to gather the sustenance they need from seal-hunting is relatively short. With the extreme weather and ice conditions working consistently to minimize the kill success of polar bears, every opportunity is treated as a golden one. Whatever fat-storage polar bears need to survive the increasingly ice-free summers, the majority must be accumulated through these “ice-solated” interactions. This season most polar bears seemed very healthy overall and hopes for another long ice-season are high.
Polar bear on the frozen thermakarst near the hudson Bay. Photo: Paul Brown
Aurora shines brightly in the Churchill night.
by Steve Selden | Dec 3, 2014 | Videos
Check out this BBC Documentary on polar bears on Wrangell Island. Quite an interesting view of the world in which polar bears survive. With sea ice coverage decreasing as a result of global warming, this video will give you insight into how polar bears rely on the ice surface for their subsistence.
Come see the polar bears of Churchill in the wild with Natural Habitat Adventures!
by Steve Selden | Nov 28, 2014 | Churchill Photography
Now that the polar bears have headed out onto the ice-pack of the Hudson Bay, here are some parting shots from this polar bear season by Natural Habitat guides. This was one of the best seasons in a long time with numerous sows and cubs, sparring males and Arctic fox galore. Many other various sightings of wildlife as well as some true Arctic weather made this a very memorable season. Up next…aurora borealis trips at the end of January and going through most of March. Can’t wait for the images of northern lights!
Two polar bears sparring in Churchill, Manitoba. Melissa Scott photo.
Aurora in the northern Churchill sky. Brad Josephs photo.
Polar bear resting in a snowbank. Colby Brokvist photo.
Polar bear sniffing around the polar rover. Brad Josephs photo.
Polar bear print in the snow. Karen Walker photo.
Polar bears grapple in the willows. Colby Brokvist photo.
by Steve Selden | Nov 22, 2014 | Videos
This video documentary by the BBC news group is an unique look into the world of the polar bear in its natural habitat. Sit back and enjoy!
by Steve Selden | Nov 20, 2014 | Conservation
Polar bear season 2014 has come to a close in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area as well as the Churchill town vicinity. Polar bears in the area have headed out on the Hudson Bay ice pack in search of seals to forage. Although the last travelers to Churchill have had sparse bear sightings at best, the situation for the bears is ideal.
Overall this season has been extraordinary when it comes to the health of the polar bears and the number of sows and cubs in the area. The weather has been very fitting for the bears and the early freeze-up has enabled the polar bears to get out on the ice and start building their fat reserves back up.
Polar bear taking roll call at a polar rover.
Here’s the link to the Conservation numbers of polar bear occurrences, fly-outs, in the compound, and releases throughout the season.
Hudson Bay ice floes collide and pack in tight. Karen Walker photo.
Here’s what a note on the Conservation Manitoba door read: “Bears were observed passing by Churchill on the ice on November 12th. Started ice release on November 14th. Completed ice release on November 16th. Most bears are now on the ice on Hudson Bay.”
Jeremy Pearson photo.
A truly memorable season is over ….looking forward to this winters’ aurora trips!
For information on this winter’s upcoming aurora borealis trips go to nathab.com!
