Wildlife Biologist - Outdoor Leader - Photographer
Conservation through research and storytelling
Polar bear pride
Beyond the reaches of roads and highways lies a humble frontier town in Northern Canada. Where tundra, boreal forest, and sea meet, you'll find the bustling village of Churchill in the province of Manitoba. A region rich with indigenous history from the Cree, Metis, Dene, and Inuit people, Churchill is also home to some of the world's largest concentrations of polar bears. For millennia, humans and bears have coexisted in this remote area - find out how conservation action is helping protect these magnificent creatures from persecution.
Location: Churchill, Manitoba
Species: Ursus maritimus
Status: Vulnerable (ICUN, 2024)
Fun fact: Polar bear fur is hollow; an adaptation that allows them to stay nice and warm in the Arctic
Polar Bear Alert Program
Historically, from August until November, the residents of Churchill are on alert as polar bears come off the melting sea ice and make their way ashore, waiting for a new winter to arrive. During this time, the bears live off of their fat reserves, accumulated during the hunting season when they hunt and gorge on their prey of choice, seals (primarily bearded and ringed).
As summer turns into autumn and the bears patiently await the formation of new sea ice, their presence in and around Churchill becomes both compelling and challenging. Their congregation on the shores of Western Hudson Bay attracts thousands of visitors who eagerly travel to see these arctic giants. For 7 short weeks, the entire area buzzes with excitement and caution as the bears roam the land. Mature adults and curious juveniles put on a spectacle as they bide their time, while mothers keep a watchful eye on their cubs. Although a great attraction, these beautiful creatures come with a strict warning label.
The Polar Bear Alert Program was established to ensure the protection of humans and, perhaps more importantly, the bears themselves. A joint venture between local conservation authorities and town residents, the PBA Program manages polar bear encounters by chasing the bears out of town or, if need be, trapping bears and placing them in a polar bear holding facility until they can be released.
This program has thoroughly increased safety for all, establishing a benchmark for human-bear conflict resolution. Instead of persecuting bears and having them shot on site, this program has saved countless animal lives, supporting the local population as it faces threats from climate change, diminishing resources, and an uncertain future.
For more information about the Polar Bear Alert Program, please visit the Town of Churchill
To learn more about polar bear conservation, please visit Polar Bears International
