The Polar Bears of Churchill (Manitoba, Canada)

From October to mid-November, as winter approaches, the polar bears start to gather in the area of Cape Churchill on the western coast of Hudson Bay.  They have spent the summer months conserving their energy and keeping cool whilst waiting for the sea to freeze over.  As soon as the ice is thick enough they will return to their winter activity hunting for the seals that lie beneath the ice surface.  But until then life means sleeping, walking, playing and sniffing curiously at their strange human visitors...... 

Polar Bear Polar Bear Polar Bear Polar Bear
Polar Bears Polar Bear Polar Bear Polar Bears
Mother and Cub Polar Bear Polar Bear at Tundra Buggy Polar Bear

All Photographs © Stuart M Melvin 2003