Magnificent photo by Alex De Vries – Magnifico of the changing tundra colors in Churchill with Fort Prince of Wales in the background. The Arctic summer is giving way to fall and within three weeks the 2015 polar bear season will begin in Churchill. Looking forward to reporting all the wild and amazing polar bear stories from Churchill this season!
A beautiful photo of the fall colors of Churchill!
Alex De Vries Magnifico photo.
Fortunately the “last ice” region we are discussing is being used in a manner of symbolism. The area of interest is above Canada’s High Arctic Islands and northwest Greenland. National Geographic Society and World Wildlife Fund-Canada are on a mission to protect the Arctic.
Since the late 1970s when satellite monitoring was instituted, Arctic summer sea ice extent has been shrinking at a rate of about 12 per cent per decade, according to both organizations in an August news release.
Polar bear on sea ice in the high Arctic. Natural Habitat Photo.
The two organizations have teamed up to increase attention and awareness of — the “Last Ice Area” — the region climate scientists project summer sea ice to last the longest.
Recognizing the ‘Last Ice Area’ and the need to protect it for ice-dependent species and northern communities has been a top priority of our Arctic work for several years,” said WWF-Canada President and CEO David Miller. “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help steer the public eye northward to this important region.”
The National Geographic Pristine Seas project will include partner WWF-Canada to bring attention to the threats facing the summer sea ice and document “how the Inuit culture is connected to the area and its extraordinary wildlife.”
The “last ice area” near Greenland. Jane George photo.
“Highlighting the ‘Last Ice Area’ and the need to protect it for ice-dependent species and northern communities has been a top priority of our Arctic work for several years,” said WWF-Canada President and CEO David Miller. “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner to help steer the public eye northward to this important region.”
The Pristine Seas project by National Geographic will partner with WWF-Canada to spread awareness of the threats of shrinking summer sea ice areas. The connection between the inuit culture of the north and the extraordinary wildlife will be the primary focus.
“We came close to Arctic wildlife and filmed them like never before while also documenting the last traditional hunting by the Inuit,” said National Geographic’s Enric Sala about a recent trip to northern Baffin Island.
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.
A fresh new documentary by The Nature of Things called: Polar Bears: A Summer Odyssey gives a comprehensive look at how a western Hudson Bay polar bear survives the ice free months of Arctic summer. Survival is linked to determination for these creatures in this new climate!
Gray Jay eating out of photographers hand. Maximilian Munch photo.
Churchill attracts some of the best world renowned photographers throughout the year. Many of them come just to capture the next best polar bear image in October or November. Many others come to this frontier town year-round and discover the incredible beauty of the Arctic summer or the mystical northern lights in February or March. No matter what time of year, there is always a secret treasure waiting to be found.
These photos by Maximilian Munch in Churchill display some of the beauty of the land and landmarks. Enjoy!
The Ithaca shipwreck in Churchill. Maximilian Munch photo.
Polar bear on the rocks near the Hudson Bay. Maximilian Munch photo.
Mother and cub polar bear on the rocks. Maximilian Munch photo.
Miss piggy plane wreck. Maximilian munch photo.
