2022 Polar Bear Reports

After a day without groups on the tundra, the final outing of the season took place today. It was a fitting conclusion, with one big male bear visiting the Polar Rovers for a period of time, as others wandered about on the sea ice. Another highlight was a wandering river otter! Hopefully it finds its way back to the creeks of the boreal forest. Other sightings included snowy owl, Arctic hare, common redpoll and ptarmigan.

Thanks to everyone following this year’s tundra reports! It’s been an exciting and rewarding season, that’s for certain. We wish the polar bears well as they head out on the ice for the winter. See you here next year!

Near blizzard conditions today! Roads in and around town were laden with impassable snowdrifts, and most businesses and services shut down. The Polar Rovers, of course, had no problem getting around, but the storm made wildlife viewing difficult. Visibility most of the day was a mere 20 feet, but travelers did find a flock of ptarmigan braving the weather.

Another good day on the tundra. Groups reported bears along the coast again, easily watched from the coastal trails and sandy points. Bears are wandering the ice and spending time still hunting at open water leads. A highlight was a bear lurking around the Tundra Lodge—an especially fun sight for the final group of the season, which just arrived. There are also many bears in and around town. Conservation officers and bear guards managed two different family groups and at least one other lone bear wandering the coastline.

Expedition Leaders returned from the tundra today reporting one of the best days of the season! Highlights included a sow with yearlings nursing next to the Polar Rovers, a big male visiting the rovers and bears hunting on the ice (still unsuccessfully). Most bears are still on the ice, close to shore and moving about. Other sightings included four snowy owls and several foxes, including one curious arctic fox that spent almost 40 minutes entertaining one of the groups.

After a slower morning than the past few days, the bears congregated near one of the points where seals were hauled out on the ice. Groups witnessed two types of hunting by the bears: still hunting near open water and stalking seals on the ice. No kills were made, but it was still thrilling to see! Additionally, a sow and yearlings were seen swimming, and a lone bear wandered past the Polar Rovers in beautiful afternoon light. A number of smaller critters rounded out the day.

Yet another cold and sunny day, making for excellent photographic opportunities all around. Most bears were seen on the ice, wandering around and occasionally hunting for seals. Several ringed seals were seen lounging on the ice—certainly a tease for the bears who have been fasting for several months! Perhaps the bear highlight of the day came at one of the points, with an adult bear visiting the Polar Rovers there. Lots of foxes of all species and color morphs were hunting for lemmings across the tundra, and a couple of snowy owls made appearances, making for eventful excursions on the land.

Another beautiful day on the tundra, with clear skies, a light breeze and very cold temperatures. Most bears continue to wander the newly formed ice close to shore. Some of the larger males, whose weight cannot be fully supported by the ice, are lingering back onshore. The day began with two sets of sows and cubs, along with two Arctic foxes energetically chasing one another. Later in the morning, many Polar Rovers convened at one of the points where the two males were active. As the day went on, the bears took refuge from the sun in shady locations to rest. In the meantime, five other foxes (Arctic, silver and cross) and a pure white snowy owl took the stage. Late in the day, an Arctic hare made an appearance, making for a full and well-rounded day for all out on the land.

Sunny days are prevailing, making for incredible bear spotting and photography. More bears were out on the ice today, close to the coastal trails and easy to view. The highlights were two bears eating a fresh seal kill (likely their first meal in several months) and a couple of enormous male bears moving about. On land, bears were walking close to the Polar Rovers and slowly making their way toward the sea. A hunting Arctic fox delighted several groups, as did one snowy owl. Closer to town, travelers saw a sow with a COY exploring the ice-strewn coastline at Cape Merry, and several red foxes acted as wildlife models near the Churchill River. The wolf hasn’t been spotted in a few days; however, fresh tracks showed up this afternoon just outside town.

Today was much like yesterday—sunny and cold with great polar bear action. Once again, groups had different highlights depending on where they chose to explore. This included multiple pairs of wrestling males, a sow with two cubs of the year (COYs), sows with yearlings, many curious bears visiting the Polar Rovers and a few bears testing the forming sea ice. There’s a lot of ice around now, though it is still mostly unconsolidated, blown in from the river and northern areas. The weather outlook for the next two days forecasts southerly winds, and much of the ice is expected to blow out. Travelers spotted Arctic and silver fox as well as large flocks of ptarmigan and two snowy owls up close. Closer to town, groups encountered five moose in addition to a sow with a COY moving along the frozen river, apparently searching for a solid pathway north.

It was a bright, sunny day—and another cold one! Travelers encountered around 15 polar bears throughout the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Groups had different highlights depending on where they chose to explore, which included multiple pairs of sparring males, a sow with two cubs of the year (COYs), many curious bears visiting Polar Rovers and some bears testing the forming sea ice. Arctic, red and silver fox, along with several flocks of willow ptarmigan, rounded off the day. With the ice now forming, Polar Bear Alert conservation officers made the decision to safely relocate five bears from Churchill’s Polar Bear Holding Facility. Some groups watched as the bears set off to explore the icy stretch of coastline where they were released.

Despite periods of blizzard-like conditions, travelers encountered plenty of bears, 14 in total. Bears alternated between taking shelter and moving around. For the first time this season, some bears were seen testing their weight on the ice along the coast (this was ice that had blown in from the north and frozen together). Highlights included two pairs of sparring males and the return of the three-footed bear, which was active at the Tundra Lodge. An especially large flock of snow-white ptarmigans captured the attention of many groups. In town, a photogenic Arctic fox near the river entertained some travelers.

It was another cold and windy day in Churchill. Bear viewing was exceptional, with multiple pairs of sparring males (including some really big boys), bears visiting Polar Rovers, and sibling cubs of the year (COYs) playing close by. Other bears were also spotted, walking the coastline and sleeping within fresh snow drifts. Reports from the helicopter tours indicate ice is beginning to form near Cape Churchill, and the Churchill River is mostly frozen. Along the Churchill Wildlife Management Area, there is a fair bit of slushy “grease ice” that causes the waves to roll in slow motion—a phenomenon unique to the arctic environment. The onset of some ice formation is fairly typical this time of year. Closer to town, travelers spotted a wolf again near Akudlik Marsh.

Groups were spread out across the tundra today, with excellent polar bear action had by all. The main highlight was several pairs of sparring and wrestling males. A couple of family groups were also spotted, creating plenty of excitement for bear watchers. If that wasn’t enough, curious bears approached some of the Polar Rovers, and travelers were able to enjoy being outside with them by using the safely elevated observation decks. The weather continues to be quite cold, contributing to increased bear activity. A spectacular sunset rounded off the day.

Once again, travelers spotted plenty of bears spread throughout the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. What has become typical bear action for the past few days continued—sparring males, females with cubs and plenty of individuals moving about, sleeping and keeping an eye on each other. The first wildlife highlight of the day was a three-footed bear. We have no idea why it doesn’t have a fourth foot—perhaps an injury or birth defect, but the bear appeared to be in good shape and was moving about quite well. The second anomaly was a wolverine sighting close to the edge of the management area where the Polar Rovers begin their day’s journey. In the past two days, grease ice has formed along the coast, causing the ocean to look like a giant Slurpee. Some fully frozen chunks of ice are floating in from the north with the currents. The weather has been cold, too, no doubt contributing to the high level of bear activity travelers are witnessing.

It was difficult to know where to look today, there were so many bears! More than 20 individuals of all demographics were present in the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. While more sparring between adult males delighted onlookers, the stars of today’s show were four different family groups, including both yearling cubs and COYs (cubs of the year). Another highlight was a silver fox eating a kill, several Arctic fox and several flocks of ptarmigan. If that wasn’t enough, one group sighted a wolverine closer to town, and five additional bears were seen on the road between town and the wildlife management area. Bear safety is always a concern in Churchill, and the stream of new bears arriving over the past few days serves as a reminder that there can be bears lurking anywhere. Remember to always follow the bear safety guidance in town!

Thirteen bears were spotted out on the tundra today. It seems the persistent cold weather has drawn them to the coast, where they anticipate the sea ice freezing by early December. There were two pairs of sparring males, bears with paws on the Polar Rovers and a variety of other memorable scenes. Arctic fox, silver fox and flocks of ptarmigan rounded out the day. Closer to town, a wolf was spotted again by a couple of groups, this time feeding off of a carcass—perhaps an Arctic hare.

Another busy day on the tundra, this time with the cold air and overcast skies that are so typical of bear season. The sow and one cub of the year (COY) made another appearance along the coastline. The big wrestling males were found near Ptarmigan Alley and were at it for much of the day, delighting those in the Polar Rovers with close views and excellent photo opportunities. There were other sightings of single bears in various states of rest or movement at various distances. Additional sightings were three Arctic fox, one silver fox and several large flocks of ptarmigan.

It was an incredible day for polar bear watching for those out on the land. Seven bears were seen, and the clear highlight was the pair of male bears that have been hanging out at one of the sandy points recently. Each bear was active and curious, spending time visiting the Polar Rovers, watching curiously through the grates underneath the observation decks and even putting their paws up on the sides of the vehicles. Later in the day, the pair wrestled and sparred for almost two hours, only occasionally stopping to rest and cool off. Out east, the sow and cub were seen ambling along the coast. Arctic fox and plenty of ptarmigan rounded out the day. In town, a gray wolf was spotted again in the morning.

The sun and cold set the scene for what turned out to be a spectacular day on the tundra. For the first time this season, a cub of the year (COY) was encountered, ambling along with its mother. They visited several of the Polar Rovers, showing curiosity—a tribute to the well-mannered travelers who made them feel comfortable enough to approach. Sparring males were putting on a show out east as well as near the Tundra Lodge. Other bears (11 in total today!) were witnessed walking, checking out Polar Rovers and stretching in the snow. Closer to town, the lone gray wolf was spotted again.

A warmish day held cloud cover, and it even rained for a period of time. But the bears didn’t seem to mind! The highlight for some groups was a rarity: they spotted an adolescent bear swimming around in apparent pursuit of a seal. Although bears are excellent swimmers, they are unable to compete in the water with hydrodynamic seals, so the outcome was predictable. Elsewhere, two adult males were witnessed sparring near Gordon Point, and two other bears were seen walking and resting. Arctic fox, snowy owl and ptarmigan rounded out the day. Closer to town, two groups spotted a gray wolf hunting along the forest edge.

Polar bears were spread across the management area today, and groups were able to watch them in different places. The Tundra Lodge had two bears, one of which was a curious young female who spent time visiting each Polar Rover and playing and rolling in the willows. Out east, a male bear pursued a female who was reluctant to give up her now-favorite spot on an island of willows. After some rest—and over an hour of jockeying for position—her attitude became more aggressive, posturing and ultimately lunging at the male, successfully keeping him at bay. In total, eight bears were encountered throughout the day, along with four foxes, a gyrfalcon and a white-rumped sandpiper.

Today proved to be another eventful day on the tundra. At least nine bears were seen, and many were active for few hours of the day. Most of the action was near the Tundra Lodge, and groups with patience were rewarded by bears sparring and playing between periods of rest. An Arctic fox was spotted out near Gordon Point, and one group saw a gyrfalcon. Some playful muskrats and a flock of ptarmigan rounded out a great day. An Arctic hare was briefly spotted in town—the icing on the cake for some groups!

A brilliant, sunny day was the backdrop for endless polar bear action. Seven bears were spotted, mostly out by Gordon Point again. Groups watched bears moving around all day, including Polar Rover visits, interactions with each other and lots of sparring between different bears. The bears were in full view for many groups, playing and stretching on the ice of a large pond. A highlight for many was a bold arctic fox who ran through the middle of a group of five bears. If this wasn’t all enough, one group even saw an arctic wolf on the drive back into town!

It was exciting day out on the tundra, with six bears spotted! The action began early, with clear skies and a stunning sunrise. We saw three bears, some laying down and some walking. Out at Gordon Point, the action ramped up, with three adult bears present and exhibiting a variety of behaviors, including posturing, sparring and wrestling. Some groups spent the entirety of the day with the active bears, while others covered more ground and encountered a variety of other tundra wildlife. ​​​​​​​

Today was a quiet and overcast day out on the tundra. Many of the bears were sleeping, though groups saw some activity when two bears were spotted testing the ice on the frozen ponds. The great blue heron made another appearance, and one arctic fox was out and about.

Windy conditions and a large snowfall continued to blanket the tundra in white today. Two sleeping bears were spotted braving the weather. Muskrats and ptarmigan were active in the snow, and a spruce grouse was observed closer to town.

A mild day proved to be productive for all sorts of wildlife. We encountered five bears throughout the day, starting with two bears near the Tundra Lodge, one strolling about the yard after the other. An adult male was found later in the morning (though it avoided any close encounters with the Polar Rovers), and the playful female out east was, well, very playful! There was also one bear resting in the willows for most of the day. Some groups again spotted caribou, still migrating to the southern portion of Wapusk National Park. Several foxes, six playful muskrat and a variety of birdlife rounded out the day. Back near town, the female with a cub was seen early in the day.

Today was relatively warm and drizzly with periods of fog along the coast. Like yesterday, most of the action came in the afternoon. Four bears total were spotted, with two encountered close to the Polar Rovers at various times. These bears were walking around, displaying curiosity about the Polar Rovers and stretching for periods of time. One group witnessed a wolf again, this time at a bit of a distance and further inland away from the areas with the bears. Other highlights were Arctic fox, silver fox, muskrat and a variety of birdlife. Of the birds, a close-by snowy owl stole the show!

Polar bear watchers woke to a cold and rainy day. Wildlife activity picked up in the afternoon with groups spotting three bears, including a playful female out east. Some travelers spotted a bull caribou close to the coast, and it’s reasonable to create the narrative that the wolves seen in the area recently have probably separated it from the main herd—a common hunting strategy. Other sightings included multiple Arctic foxes and more late-migrating birds, such as long-tailed duck, northern pintail and mallard, in addition to the ‘usual suspects’ for this time of year, such as willow ptarmigan. Closer to town, some groups spent time viewing a sow and a cub bedded down next to one of the tundra ponds.

Some drizzle and fog didn’t stop anyone from having fun on the tundra today. Travelers encountered several bears, including a playful female and others walking around the Polar Rovers. Groups found one large male sleeping among the rocks at Halfway Point along the coast. Travelers also spotted two different Arctic foxes and an Arctic hare, and yes, the great blue heron is still here with us! If that wasn’t enough, those on the evening Polar Rovers had an incredibly rare encounter—a lone wolf wandering about and peering through the mist at people on the observation decks! This sighting is an all-time high during polar bear season and had all the Expedition Leaders chatting excitedly!

It was an exciting day for all out on the tundra. The star of the show was a single bear who was rolling and playing in full view. For over two hours, it practiced yoga moves, stretched, played with a stick and visited the Polar Rovers. Travelers encountered several other bears, including one with paws up on the side of a Polar Rover. Late migrating birds continue to be spotted, including great blue heron, lesser yellowlegs and red-breasted merganser. Arctic fox rounded out another great day.

It was a spectacular sunny day on the tundra, with a stiff cool breeze. The bears were active and spent considerable time among the Polar Rovers, including paws up on the side of one group’s vehicle. A red fox and several snowy owls rounded out the day. There was also bear activity in town, and the conservation officers were engaged in moving bears away toward the coast. All groups have transportation shuttles available, so everyone was able to actively explore the town and surroundings in a safe and fun manner.

The winds died out on the tundra by mid-morning, and groups took to all corners of the Churchill Wildlife Management Area. Witnessing a herd of nine caribou was a highlight for many. This was one of the latest caribou sightings the Expedition Leader team can remember. The herd was a bit of a distance away, though everyone was able to get close-up views using our spotting scopes. Travelers also encountered four bears, including two bears interacting near the Tundra Lodge. A snowy owl, Arctic hare and red fox rounded off another interesting day out on the land.

A storm blew in from the north overnight bringing a strong cold wind and snow. The tundra now has a blanket of white! Travelers spotted three bears, though they were mostly hunkered down in the willows to avoid the blowing ice and snow. A polar bear walked around the Tundra Lodge, a highlight of the day. Groups found another bear hunkered down in the rocks along the coast on the outskirts of town. Travelers also encountered a silver fox, green-winged teal, eider, Arctic hare and great blue heron.

It was another beautiful day on the tundra! Travelers encountered three bears—one at the Tundra Lodge and two elsewhere along the coast. Two bald eagles circled above the land; no doubt pushed southward for the winter by the incoming cold winds from the north. Between the various groups exploring the tundra, there were sightings of silver fox, Arctic fox and ptarmigan. Closer to town, a lone bear was spotted resting on the rocks above the coastline, which some nearby groups drove out to see.

There were many interesting wildlife sightings today! In addition to spending time with three polar bears, travelers spotted several muskrats in ponds. An Arctic hare entertained one of the groups, and a bald eagle made an appearance. Early in the morning, travelers at the Tundra Lodge found a lone caribou, while a group in town identified a loon near the marina.

It was another day of light rain showers and warmer temperatures. Three bears were encountered in various locations, walking about and sleeping in the protection of the willows. Two Arctic foxes scurried around, providing great photo opportunities, and several snowy owls were spotted throughout the day.

Churchill experienced light rain in the morning, though it was still an eventful day out on the tundra! Three polar bears were spotted, including two at the Tundra Lodge. One curious adolescent female came close to a Polar Rover, a highlight for some travelers. Another amazing sight was a great blue heron—a rare encounter during polar bear season since this bird should have migrated south by now. Snow buntings, ravens and Arctic hares were also seen in abundance throughout the day.

It was another beautiful autumn day on the tundra! Travelers encountered an adolescent male bear in the morning and photographed it moving along the coastline. Groups then transited east to find a second bear resting in the willows. Touring the area revealed an Arctic fox, several snowy owls, an enormous flock of willow ptarmigan and a historic Dene camping site. A highlight for many was encountering an impressive tundra swan—a sighting that happens only every few years during polar bear season. In the afternoon, the male polar bear from earlier in the day visited the Tundra Lodge, much to everyone’s delight. One group moved to a different area where a curious bear came close to a Polar Rover while exploring the tundra.

It’s the first day of the 2022 polar bear season! It’s great to be back, and the energy among guides and travelers is high. Glorious autumnal colors adorned the tundra, and a light breeze persisted all day. Groups encountered a bear along the coast feeding off a carcass (seemingly a young beluga whale), a rare and exciting event to witness. Another bear was spotted out east, wandering along the tidal flats and resting periodically. Other highlights include several snowy owls, an Arctic fox, snow geese, a great blue heron, two Arctic hares, and even two muskrats!