Archive—2023 Polar Bear Reports

© Marlo Shaw

The day was beautifully clear on the tundra, bustling with bears. Each group within the CWMA had unique experiences. The day’s highlights were sightings of two mother bears with their cubs, close encounters with bears near the Polar Rovers, and the amusing sight of bears performing ‘yoga’—stretching and cleaning their coats on the snow in preparation for hunting out on the ice. The evening wrapped up with everyone marveling at the breathtaking Arctic sunset, a perfect scene for photographers.

© Lianne Thompson

Today was filled with bear sightings; they were especially active in the morning. Groups observed various bears—some on the ice near the Polar Rovers, including mothers with cubs and yearlings, and solitary bears. Many even approached the Polar Rovers. At the Tundra Lodge, the morning was lively, with two males sparring. Tundra Lodge guests had a rare treat—spotting three wolves crossing a pond at dawn. Polar Rovers then set out in search of the wolves, but to no avail. However, the journey did reveal a cross fox and a muskrat, alongside numerous bear sightings. The town was equally thrilling, with a bear family near the beach and other bears roaming around, overseen by conservation officers. A highlight was watching a cross fox skillfully catch its lunch.

© Marlo Shaw

Warm weather dominated today, though curiously, with bouts of snow flurries mixed in. Tomorrow, a storm is forecasted to roll in. Bears behaved as expected in these circumstances—mostly hunkering down in the willows and digging beds in the snow to spend some time in. However, there are so many bears around that there were still plenty of great moments. There were a good number of bears walking around for short periods, including next to the Polar Rovers. At least one bear stood right up on the side of a Polar Rover. Several sows with cubs were seen, and one set was seen nursing. Another highlight was a brief sighting of a black wolf for some groups first thing in the morning.

© Marlo Shaw

Today was a thrilling day both inside and outside the CWMA. Various groups gathered along the coast in the morning to observe bears and seals out on the ice of a tidal flat. Using spotting scopes, they noticed a seal had been killed, attracting bears to feed and inspect the area. Once satiated, the bears roamed, mingling with each other and approaching Polar Rovers. The bloodstained faces of many bears, from adults to cubs, indicated they had feasted on seals. As the day progressed, more bears were seen further east, engaging with each other and the Polar Rovers. Near town, more bears were spotted along the road and coast. Conservation officers remained vigilant, ensuring the safety of both bears and humans. Other wildlife sightings included red and cross foxes, a Eurasian dove and a wolf near the railway tracks, as reported by a reliable source while descending into Churchill airport.

© Lianne Thompson

The tundra was bustling with activity as polar bears roamed the coastline. A highlight was two males sparring near the Polar Rovers. Many bears curiously approached and circled various Polar Rovers and the Tundra Lodge. Several families were spotted, though the triplet COYs were not seen today. An adult bear chased a sow with a cub along the coast. Other bears were either resting or wandering at a distance within the CWMA. Sightings also included a red fox and a gyrfalcon. Closer to town, more bears were observed and managed by conservation officers. A snowy owl was found just on the outskirts of town—one of only a handful of sightings this year of this otherwise typical resident.

© Lianne Thompson

Today’s cold and windy conditions did not deter the bears, which were plentiful on the tundra. Mostly away from the road tracks, they were still easily visible. Several families and solitary bears of all ages were moving about. Many groups encountered bears wandering around the Polar Rovers and beneath viewing decks. One bear even stood up, placing its paws on a Polar Rover. A beautiful mother bear and her cub visited the Tundra Lodge at sunrise while other bears passed by throughout the day. Travelers also saw red and Arctic foxes. Conservation officers have been very busy monitoring bear movements to keep bears and people safe.

© Lianne Thompson

Bears were seen in abundance today, with sightings across the CWMA and stretching along the coastline toward town. What would seem like highlights from the entire season all happened in various locations just today: nine bears were observed interacting and taking turns feasting on a seal carcass. This spectacle included two mother bears with their cubs. At one of the tundra ponds, a mother with three young was notably aggressive, assertively defending her cubs from solitary adults. Elsewhere, additional cubs were spotted, and adult males engaged in sparring bouts. Other bears were discovered meandering or dozing in the willows. The sightings were further enriched by encounters with red foxes, Arctic foxes and ptarmigans. Nearer to the town, more bears appeared, keeping the Conservation Officers on their toes as they diligently worked to ensure the safety of both the bears and the public throughout the day.

© Lianne Thompson

Much like the past two days, there were highlights across the tundra. At one point, three male bears were taking turns sparring with each other near the Tundra Lodge. The sow with triplet COYs was out again, and travelers spotted several other COYs with their mothers in various areas. Many other bears were spotted on the sea ice, sleeping and walking nearer the Polar Rovers. Groups who chose to watch the bears out on the ice also spotted some ringed seals hauled out—a polar bear’s favorite food! Harbor seals, two red foxes, a silver fox, a horned lark, snow buntings and a large flock of ptarmigans rounded out the day. Helicopters again reported many bears deep within Wapusk National Park, and one group sighted a wolverine—quite a rare and special sighting!

© Lianne Thompson

There were many bear encounters throughout the CWMA again today. Several groups reported curious bears walking around the Polar Rovers; a few even had bears stand up with paws on the side! The sow with triplet COYs was around for much of the morning until it was eventually pushed away by a large male bear. Another sow with one COY made an appearance, too. Travelers viewed four bears on the ice from a local beach just outside town. Helicopters reported up to 20 bears way out at Cape Churchill, within Wapusk National Park, a common place for male bears to gather this time of year.

© Lianne Thompson

It was a busy day on the tundra, with more bears moving into the CWMA. Sows with cubs stole the show, and there are now three family groups out and about. Of significant note is one female with three COYs! One was quite little and snuggled up close to its siblings while resting. Overall, the bears were actively moving around, which is typical behavior since adolescents and family groups prefer to avoid other bears. Other tundra highlights were a silver fox and gyrfalcon. Along the beach in town, there were three other bears, and some groups were able to view them safely from the Polar Rovers. Now that there is snow and more bears around, it is essential to be extra cautious around town. Keep to the main streets in daylight, and don’t walk near the coast or river.

© Marlo Shaw

Overnight, more bears migrated into the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, enticed by the now-frozen tundra that offers easy passage. This resulted in a day full of excitement, marked by several standout moments across various locales. Notable events included two bears engaging in a sparring match, two sets of sows and cubs of the year (COY), several bears meandering around the Polar Rovers and beneath the viewing decks, as well as others venturing out onto the increasingly icy tidal flats. Of course, there were also those bears that spent the day indulging in leisurely slumber!

An exceptional highlight was the appearance of a wolf, a rare spectacle. Some photographers even managed to capture both a bear and a wolf in the same frame—a sighting for the record books! Observers spotted some common eiders in the coastal waters, while a lone common goldeneye was seen in the small unfrozen section of an otherwise iced-over tundra pond. The red-winged blackbird continues to be a fixture at the Wapusk dog yard.

© Amy Hamermesh

Today, the sun shone brightly and the winds subsided. As one might anticipate, several bears appeared eager to reengage in activity after days of being confined by the storm. Notable were two young adult bears strolling across the frozen tundra ponds and making brief visits to the Polar Rovers. Eventually, they ambled onto the newly formed ice of the tidal flats and settled there, spending the afternoon resting under the watchful eyes of wildlife enthusiasts. In a different location, a sow and her cub of the year (COY) emerged from the willow thickets and settled down for a nap, conveniently close to the 4×4 track, drawing many onlookers. The cub intermittently roamed and dug through the snowdrifts. At one juncture, the sow changed spots and seemed to adopt a nursing position, yet the preoccupied cub paid no mind. As the day progressed, most of the bears lay down for another rest, leaving the stage to an Arctic fox, a gyrfalcon and a sizable flock of ptarmigans, which captivated travelers. Nearer to town, a bear was seen by the incinerator, providing a photo opportunity for several groups.

© Rebecca Davis

The storm continued today with high winds and low visibility during periods of snow. Guides found two bears on the tundra, and all Polar Rovers ended up visiting them at some point. Mostly, they hunkered down to avoid the brunt of the storm; however, for periods, they were actively stretching, cleaning their coats by rolling in the snow and walking around. One bear walked right up to the Polar Rovers before moving off onto a bit of sea ice that had developed in one of the coves. This is just the first inkling of ice, and it will be some time before bears can really move about and hunt on the frozen ocean.

© Eddy Savage

Strong northwest winds continued today, accompanied by extended periods of mostly sunny skies. The bears, for the most part, remained sheltered from the gusts; however, three bears seemed unfazed by the blustery conditions. Wildlife enthusiasts enjoyed watching these bears frolic in the snowdrifts and amble near the Polar Rovers.

One bear, in particular, displayed remarkable character; it boldly attempted to traverse a semi-frozen tundra pond, breaking through the thin ice. Unfazed, the bear pressed on, forging through thick slush and at times, belly-crawling over precarious ice. Its prolonged crossing provided onlookers with amusing photos and videos of its exploits.

Additional sightings enriched the day, with Arctic and red foxes, dunlins, snow buntings, a bevy of ptarmigan, red-breasted mergansers and common goldeneyes making appearances. Closer to town, travelers spotted several red foxes and a cross fox. From above, helicopters revealed moose and polar bears, though windy and stormy conditions within Wapusk National Park made for ever-changing flight paths and, thus, quite different experiences depending on the time of flight.

© Eddy Savage

The weather was erratic today, alternating between clear, blue skies and blizzards, accompanied by cold, gusty winds. As expected under these conditions, wildlife mostly sought refuge in the protection of willow bushes. Among intervals of rest and slumber, some bears stirred and walked about, providing photographers with the chance to capture them against a snowy backdrop. While several Polar Rovers were stationed along a rocky spit, one bear amused itself by rolling in the kelp and foraging in the snow. The group from the Tundra Lodge set out early and encountered a lone wolf toting a scrap of caribou hide. The wolf passed close by their Polar Rover, offering a truly memorable encounter. Other sightings for the day included silver foxes, red foxes, dunlins and redpolls.

© Fiona Galbraith

Wildlife watchers received no tricks and all treats for Halloween today! All the action was along the coast trails, with no fewer than 12 different bears out and about. Highlights included a very large male bear that is new to the area this season, who strutted right up to several Polar Rovers to see what they are all about. Other bears spent time near the Rovers too, circling them and staring up at wildlife watchers through the metal grates of the observation decks. Other bears were sleeping close to the tracks and spent periods of time looking around and stretching. The sow and COY were also encountered again wandering along the coast.

In addition to the bears, one cross fox and three different Arctic fox were sighted, including one hunting lemmings right next to a Polar Rover and providing an interesting show for people aboard. Two gyrfalcons were also seen: one white phase and one dark. They were hunting ptarmigan near the tundra ponds. In town, a photogenic Arctic hare was spotted by several groups. Helicopters reported an additional 10–12 bears at various locations along the coast within Wapusk National Park. This evening, the entire town will be surveilled by various public servants and helicopter operators to ensure a bear-free zone so the kids can go out trick or treating.

© Fiona Galbraith

It was a very windy day in Churchill, and wildlife responded accordingly by mostly hunkering down. But of course, there are always highlights! One group had a close encounter with the sow and COY that have been around. They traveled far east to find them. Most other groups stayed closer to the coast, where five different bears were encountered. These bears were resting close to the 4X4 tracks and periodically repositioned, put their heads up, and performed some “bear yoga,” much to the delight of wildlife watchers and photographers. Other critters were discovered, too, such as a sleeping Arctic fox and two active red foxes.

At midmorning, in the middle of the town of Churchill, a bear was spotted lurking in an alleyway. Conservation officers were called, and they pushed the bear back toward the coast while people got indoors and were able to witness the bear scurrying down the street. And at the Wapusk dog yard, a rare late autumn sighting of a red-winged blackbird caused more excitement.

© Leah Pengelly

Many bears were encountered today, including adult males, a sow with a COY, and some adolescents. Several groups reported that two male bears were especially curious and approached the Polar Rovers to investigate them. One bear came right under the grated observation deck of one of the Rovers and stared up at delighted travelers. Other wildlife watchers spent time with a sow and COY (cub of the year), who mostly rested until later in the day. Patience paid off for a photography-specific group that was able to capture shots of the pair in beautiful golden sunset light as they rose and walked off.

Another highlight was a wolverine that was spotted in the early morning as groups were traveling between town and the CWMA! Wolverine sightings are extremely rare, so it was a special treat for guides and visitors alike to be able to see one in the wild. Other notable sightings included an Arctic fox catching a vole, a very photogenic Artcic hare in town, and a late-migrating golden eagle.

© Jessica Guthrie

There was plenty of excitement on the tundra today, with a variety of sightings, active bears and close-up encounters. Among the highlights were two male bears sparring—unique behavior that doesn’t occur much with polar bears outside of the Churchill region. Between bouts, they wandered over to the Polar Rovers for closer looks, delighting those groups.

Some wildlife watchers also discovered a sow with a COY (cub of the year) today. Thanks to calm and quiet behavior aboard the Rovers, the pair came close by, making for a very memorable and personal viewing experience.

An Arctic fox was seen, as was a red fox carrying the white wing of what appeared to be a snow goose. One group also spotted a common goldeneye.

© Marlo Shaw

Today was steady for wildlife sightings, with five bears spotted around the tundra. The action began just 15 minutes from the Polar Rover launch with a male bear milling about in the early morning light. For those who traveled to the eastern side of the CWMA, another bear was active for long periods of time, curiously visiting each Polar Rover and seemingly posing for pictures. Other bears were seen wandering along the coastline and tundra ponds. A highlight for some groups was witnessing a young female bear smashing through pond ice near their Rover!

It seems that most of the migrating shorebirds and ducks have moved on now that the weather has gotten colder and the ponds have frozen over, but hundreds of ptarmigan in large flocks still abound.

© C.Wallace

Groups on the tundra today had a wide range of wildlife experiences throughout the CWMA. Many bears were around, and it seemed like most were up and moving for periods of time. Some were walking along the coast, some across the freshly frozen ponds, and some posed for close-up photography as they passed by the Polar Rovers. Groups also witnessed “ptons” of ptarmigan, an Arctic fox, and even a red fox with a freshly caught ptarmigan in its mouth! Just outside of town, around midday, a bear was seen walking along the railroad tracks, and many groups diverted their town explorations to go see the bear from a short distance. Conservation Officers eventually arrived and redirected the bear away from town so that both the bear and humans will be safe.

Today was frigid, with a cold wind blowing in the morning and an afternoon snow squall. It was a slower day for wildlife watchers, with bears hunkered down along the edges of the ponds waiting for the wind to subside. The day’s highlights included two male bears meeting on a frozen tundra pond and then finding places to sleep. And one curious bear made its way over to a Polar Rover for a short period of time. An Arctic fox and scattered birds of various species rounded out the day. It seems most of the late migrants have moved southward now that the cold and snow have arrived, with a few individuals lingering, such as a single snow goose. In town, many groups witnessed a bear being released from the holding facility—said to be a pregnant female. She was transported by helicopter near the traditional denning areas. 

© Kathie Clark

It was an exciting start to the day today, with a lone wolf spotted early. Most groups were present to not only watch it, but also to listen to it howling to unseen companions in the distance. As the day went on, bears were found throughout the CWMA. Many were sleeping away this windy and slightly snowy day. Some, however, were moving around for periods of time. Some groups were very fortunate and had a curious bear walk right up to the Polar Rover. As one group had lunch, a sleeping bear stood up, walked over to them and stood up with its paws on the side of the Rover! A couple of spry Arctic foxes and lots of birds rounded out the day.

© Anthony Amsel

The tundra ponds are freezing over! Winter weather seems to be taking hold at last and one bear was even seen testing out the thin pond ice. Two other bears were encountered along the coastal trail, with each bear displaying curiosity and making a visit to the Rovers. Other bears were seen sleeping in the willows. Green-winged teal, one swan and dunlin were all spotted—late migrants that will all likely move on soon now that the weather conditions and pond access has changed. Big flocks of ptarmigan and snow bunting rounded off another good day on the land.

© Alycia Drwencke

At least five bears were encountered on the tundra today. Sightings included the mother and COY wandering around out east. At one point, a male bear approached them and they fled into the water. They swam close to shore and quite near to serval Polar Rovers that were parked along the shoreline. Another bear was spotted eating a dead seagull and munching on some sedges. Other bears slept most of the day or got up for short periods to wander about—typical behavior for bears this time of year—and patience paid off for travelers who spent time with the bears until they decided to get up and move around. Bald eagles, dunlin, red fox and too many ptarmigan to count rounded out the day.

© Megan Bourke

Today was a lot like yesterday on the tundra, with a cold wind blowing through. Several bears were moving about in the far eastern section of the CWMA. Sightings of the sow and COY from yesterday were closer today, to the delight of wildlife watchers. Near the Tundra Lodge, the big male was around for periods of time throughout the day. A highlight for birdwatchers was a black-billed magpie—not a rare bird for North America, though this was likely the first sighting ever in the Churchill area! Other sightings included red fox, ermine and trumpeter swans.

© Megan Bourke

Although it was a somewhat slow day for wildlife viewing on the tundra, there were several highlights. One was a mother and COY (cub of the year) wandering around some muddy ponds. Through the spotting scopes outfitted with a digital display, everyone could see the “grubby” little cub playfully wallowing in the mud. Three other bears were seen walking and exploring the tundra ponds in the far eastern portion of the CWMA. At the Tundra Lodge, one male bear was active in the early morning and later afternoon, to the delight of the groups in that area.

Meanwhile, those who participated in the optional helicopter tour were able to see up to 20 bears during their flights, mostly scattered along the coast in Wapusk National Park. where the helicopters operate under special use permits. A moose was seen from the sky, too. Today’s birdlife included yellowlegs, dunlin and trumpeter swans, among other regular tundra species.

© Sarah Giersch

Today started off in an exciting way for several groups, with a bear meandering around the Tundra Lodge and visiting the Polar Rovers. It hung around for much of the day, delighting groups in that area. A couple of other bears were encountered throughout the day along the coast.

Many migrating shorebirds and ducks have arrived at the CWMA, making for some fun spotting and identification. The list included yellowlegs, sanderling, dunlin and white-winged scoter. More inland, travelers encountered trumpeter swan, green-winged teal, geese and large flocks of ptarmigan and snow bunting. It was also a great day for small critters, both in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area and around town, including ermine, red fox, cross fox, Arctic fox, and several Arctic hare.

© Megan Brief

Today was an overcast but otherwise beautiful day. It was a lazy day for wildlife, with most polar bears resting and sleeping. A highlight was a lone caribou witnessed by some groups. Typically, the large herds of caribou have migrated to more southerly locations by this time in October. It is curious that this lone animal is away from the herd and close to the coast. Perhaps it has something to do with the wolves we know are in the area, as these apex predators often attempt to separate individuals during a hunt. Aside from these sightings, birdlife rounded out the day and everyone continues to be impressed by the large flocks of snow buntings flitting about.

© Sarah Giersch

Wildlife sightings were abundant today across all of the CWMA and surrounding area. Plenty of bears were out and about, and one group even had a curious bear put its paws up on the Polar Rover to check them out! Several Arctic and red foxes were encountered throughout the day. Birdlife included a short-eared owl, bald eagle, swans, and, of course, countless snow buntings. Travelers who chose to include a helicopter tour were especially fortunate. Reports indicated many bears along the coast, as well as moose with calves, caribou, snow geese, ringed seals and even a harbor seal.

© Tom Mountford

A beautiful and sunny day on the tundra with lots of bear and other wildlife sightings! Two swimming bears were the main attraction for many groups, and a ringed seal was also spotted in the water. Tundra Lodge guests woke to two subadult bears moving around the yard. Other bears were encountered along the coastline, and some Polar Rovers used spotting scopes to find more bears at further distances.

There were three Arctic foxes near one of the points, and several groups had very close encounters and time for photography. In another part of the Management Area, travelers got to witness an Arctic fox and red fox interaction. Today’s most interesting birdlife included red-throated loon, goldeneye, swans, snow buntings and willow ptarmigan. Finally, a muskrat “climbed out on a rock, looked at its reflection, and contemplated existence.”

© Tom Mountford

Exciting bear action took center stage today, with most groups getting to watch two male bears sparring in the late morning. A wolf was encountered again by several Polar Rovers, as was an Arctic fox for the Tundra Lodge group. Birdlife continues to be prolific, though the cold winds coming in from Hudson Bay are sure to start cueing them to migrate southward before too long. Travelers also reported witnessing the aurora borealis again last night—a tribute to the ongoing clear skies, which are usually a rarity during polar bear season.

© Jeff Kitchen

Howling wolves woke guests of the remote Tundra Lodge this morning! In the early twilight, they visited the area around the lodge, close enough that travelers were able to make audio recordings. And good news for travelers boarding the Polar Rovers: Two wolves continue to patrol the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, and many groups were able to witness them in the wild. These curious canines walked close to the Rovers several times before eventually breaking off to explore other parts of the tundra.

The landscape was covered in thick fog most of the day, which made other sightings challenging, but one polar bear made an appearance, as well as a red fox, a gyrfalcon, and a selection of sea and land birds. We also spotted countless large ptarmigan flocks—quite a spectacle to behold!

© Tom Mountford

The wolves are back! One of our groups encountered three wolves on the tundra today, and one of them even walked within 50 meters of the Polar Rover to check out the travelers. And, of course, there were plenty of bears, including three on the move and entertaining wildlife watchers. Tundra swans, flocks of ptarmigan, and other birdlife rounded out the day. From town, some lingering beluga whales were seen from Cape Merry, and several Arctic hare were reported. Helicopters reported many bears along the coastline and some caribou throughout the day.

© Court Whelan

Wildlife watchers enjoyed a beautiful autumnal day on the colorful tundra. The highlight was a bear moving steadily through the Churchill Wildlife Management Area from east to west along the coastline. In addition, many birds still have yet to migrate, with today’s sightings including redhead ducks, tundra swans, flocks of ptarmigan, hundreds of snow bunting, and a northern harrier. A red fox and a couple of distant polar bear sightings rounded out the day.

© Brad Josephs

Another exciting day out on the land! In the past 24 hours, wildlife watchers had an incredible range of sightings from our Polar Rovers, town shuttles and helicopters. Highlights were a gray wolf within the Wildlife Management Area seen from the Rovers and several polar bears ambling along the coast. There were also a couple bears swimming and attempting to catch harbor seals that were hauled out in the area. From the air, as many as 10 bears were sighted in various places, including three seen feeding on a beluga whale carcass along the shoreline. Several moose were also spotted. And around town, two red foxes stole the show!

© Court Whelan

Travelers went to sleep last night after another incredible aurora-filled evening. Out on the land, the highlights abounded, with a curious bear walking right up to the Polar Rovers and two young males seemingly traveling together along the coast. Other bears were found resting here and there as Rovers moved from place to place. With autumn still holding strong, the tundra is accented with gorgeous hues of red and gold, and there are plenty of birds around, including snow geese, ptarmigan, bald eagle, gyrfalcon, greater yellowlegs, snow bunting, tundra swans and even a mourning dove.

© Bill Galloway

Last night, guests at the Tundra Lodge were treated to several hours of a fantastic display of the aurora borealis, much to the delight of everyone aboard! The northern lights are not particularly common during polar bear season, so this spectacular show felt like a special celebration of the season to come.

This morning, the bear sightings started early. One bear was seen feeding on the coast near the Tundra Lodge—yet another rare occurrence for this time of year! Later, a small bear was spotted along the coast, and a massive, lazy male was found resting out east. Throughout the day, the group encountered a snow goose, flocks of ptarmigan, a tundra swan, a red fox and the most acrobatic of predators: a gyrfalcon. It’s hard to imagine a more spectacular first full day on the land for guests and guides alike!

The first day on the tundra is finally here! Travelers arrived under a sunny blue sky as the plane circled Button Bay and the town of Churchill. Just a short time later, we boarded the purpose-built Polar Rovers, and wildlife spotting began. It was a fantastic first outing, with two beautiful polar bears spotted off Halfway Point. After spending time with the bears, the group continued on to our Tundra Lodge, spotting a flock of ptarmigans in some spruce trees. A vibrant red fox even greeted us during happy hour in the lounge car. 2023: Already off to a great start!