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In the 1970s, however, attitudes began to change. Instead of killing the bears, government officials in 1980 built a "bear jail" to hold the threatening animals until the bay's ice was ready to hold them. In 1983, polar bear hunting was outlawed. Town leaders, recognizing that the bears also drew free-spending tourists, organized a bear patrol, featured on POLAR BEAR INVASION, that helps keep the wildlife and tourists safe from each other. The patrol officers still shoot dozens of threatening bears -- but only with sleep-inducing darts, so the bears can be trucked or helicoptered away from town or to a "jail," where they are kept until the bay freezes.
Polar bears are more dangerous than they appear. |
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Today, bear watching is a multi-million dollar business, and one of Churchill's economic mainstays. There are bear-watching hotels and special jacked-up vehicles, known as tundra buggies, that take dozens of tourists at a time out in search of bears. A favorite stop on some tours is a sled-dog breeding center, shown on POLAR BEAR INVASION, where the bears seemingly "play" with the powerful dogs.
Such interactions can be deceptive, however. "Remember, the polar bear is one of the world's most powerful predators -- they are unpredictable and EXTREMELY DANGEROUS," a warning pamphlet issued by one tour company reminds visitors. "Under no circumstances approach or try to pet or touch a bear. Keep hands, cameras, and clothing inside vehicles. Keep alert at all times; bears are very good at blending into the landscape and can move VERY FAST. Be especially cautious around mothers with cubs."
Thanks to such precautions, Churchill's bear season typically ends without incident. But there are other concerns. Some researchers worry that global climate change could disrupt the annual cycle, as warming temperatures break up the pack ice earlier in the year. But it's not yet clear if warming is a problem.
In the meantime, the polar bear capital of the world again readies itself for the annual arrival of the massive creatures -- and the modern-age explorers who seek their own adventures on the shores of Hudson Bay.
<< Back
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Bear Trouble
Polar bears invade Churchill.
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Great Wanderers
Discover what researchers are finding out.
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Out On The Town
Learn why tourists visit Churchill.
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Resources
Web links and books related to the program
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