🐻❄️ Polar Bear Week 🐻❄️
Polar Bears International created Polar Bear Week to coincide with the annual gathering of polar bears near Churchill, Canada. During this week, we draw attention to the threats polar bears face in a warming Arctic.
Every Autumn, polar bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay near Churchill, Canada, to wait for the sea ice to return so they can hunt their seal prey. But the summer ice-free period is three to four weeks longer than it was in the 1980s, straining the limits of the bears’ fat reserves.
Polar Bears International founded Polar Bear Week to coincide with the time when the bears congregate near Churchill to wait to return to their seal-hunting grounds. During Polar Bear Week, we celebrate the bears and draw attention to the need to help polar bears and people coexist.
Why focus on coexistence?
Because human-polar bear conflict is a growing problem as the Arctic warms. Melting sea ice is forcing more polar bears ashore in more places, and for longer periods, leading to an uptick in encounters with people.
What can we do to help?
To save sea ice, we must move away from burning fossil fuels like oil, coal and gas. Why? Because these fuels produce gases that act like a blanket around the earth, heating up our planet and causing the sea ice to melt.
The good news is that we have the power to change this! We can switch to renewable energy sources like solar, water, and wind. This will create a better world for all of us.
Think about where your strengths and skills can be applied to influencing decisions on where our energy comes from. Research renewable energy options available to you, contact your local MP and councillors, find a community of others who share your concern for climate change, and invite your friends and family to do the same.
What’s on at the park this week…
Bear Keeper Q&As - Everyday at 11am in our Marquee!
Daily Bear Talks - Everyday at 2pm on the Bear walkway!
Live Tundra Cams!
Step into the frozen world of the Arctic from the comfort of your home! The Tundra Live Cams bring you real-time footage of polar bears roaming across the landscape.