Jodi Grosbrink in Churchill snapped these shots of a wandering polar bear outside of town that swam out of the water and rested on the rocks. More polar bears are arriving in Churchill and this upcoming bear season in October and November promises to be an incredible one with large numbers of polar bears waiting for the Hudson Bay to freeze up. Getting these photos from local Churchillian’s is a great way to keep up with the bear population in and around Churchill. Enjoy!
Another favorite polar bear photo from Churchill. Polar bears spar during the time leading up to their time out on the Hudson Bay sea ice as a means of staying fit and even as a mating display. These two have been at some aggressive grappling as the blood on one of the bears indicates. More sparring this season on the way!
Polar bears sparring on the tundra. Natural Habitat Adventures photo.
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.
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.
Belugas in the Churchill River. Moira LePatourel photo.
This video from Seal River, just north along the coast from Churchill, shows a quite similar ecosystem to Churchill. Enjoy the beautiful footage and insightful views from the various biologists working in the area. Nice to hear some good news about the Arctic these days!
