Fall is just around the corner, which means it’s almost polar bear season in Churchill, #Manitoba – the Polar Bear Capital of the World!
Every year, more than 1,000 of these majestic animals migrate through Churchill as they head towards the frozen Hudson Bay for winter.
Environment and Natural Resources Canada says: “Canada is home to approximately 16 000 of the estimated 20 000 to 25 000 polar bears in the global polar regions. It is no wonder that the polar bear, an icon of Canada’s wildlife heritage, is of great cultural significance to the Canadian people.
For the Inuit and many northern communities, polar bears are especially significant culturally, spiritually and economically.
“In Canada, polar bears are protected through a collaborative approach that is shared with provinces, territories and regional wildlife management boards.
This allows activities, investments and expertise to be coordinated across the country and ensures that each organization is meeting its responsibilities to conserve the species while supporting our international commitments.
This collaborative approach has been successful in positioning Canada to meet its obligations as party to the Agreement on Conservation of Polar Bears (1973) that was signed by Canada, Norway, Russia, Greenland and the United States.