These magnificent images from Alex de Vries – Magnifico with Discover Churchill are fitting to finish out the awesome northern lights season in Churchill. Another season in the books and what a season it was. Looking forward to spring and summer in Churchill with belugas, birds and maybe a few polar bears!
Back in the Polar Bear Capital of the World for the start of aurora season and the buzz around town is that a bear was spotted on the Churchill River about 20 min away from town! This occurrence sends us a strong reminder to always be aware of polar bears! Discover Churchill reported on this sighting.
A polar bear was spotted on the Churchill River about 20 minutes from the town. Alex De Vries – Magnifico photo.
Silver fox on the Churchill tundra. Great White Bear Tours photo.
This majestic silver fox was captured on the tundra in Churchill, Manitoba. With the absence of polar bears around the area these winter days, we are always hoping to see the other awesome creatures that call this place home. This fox seems on alert knowing that all eyes are on him when in other months he would be just a supporting cast member. Enjoy.
Polar Bear Statistics from Manitoba Conservation and Climate
Most of the polar bears have made their way out on the ice, but remember there is potential for an encounter at any time! Stay Bear Aware and report any sightings to Polar Bear Alert at 204-675-2327.
November 19 – Warm temperatures and light winds continued today. As the day progressed, conditions became foggy for periods and ultimately soft snow fell near the end of the day. On the tundra, many seals were spotted along the coastline. Polar bears, however, were not seen either on land or on the sea ice. An unusual sighting of an enormous flock of more than 150 ptarmigan kept photographers busy for quite a while. The highlight today, though, was an early morning sighting of two tundra wolves, one black and one gray, seen by groups leaving town at first light. This bear season has been exceptional for wolf sightings; most years no wolves are spotted.
November 20 – It was another snowy day with high winds and cold temperatures. Visibility was reduced to just a few hundred feet for much of the afternoon. Polar bears were not spotted, and very few smaller animals were encountered in the storm. Helicopters were grounded, and all but the main roads in town were closed due to drifting. The storm stopped abruptly at 8 pm, and by 10 pm, groups were gathered outside to enjoy a beautiful northern lights display.
