寻找北极小熊 Tracking Polar bear cubs

HJ Yang

After seeing so many wildlife in Antarctic region, we want to see polar bear cubs in Arctic region. We were told that in Northern America only place we might see the new born polar bear cubs just out of their dent is near Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, in northern Canada. Only time we might see polar bear cubs is during February and March. We booked nine days at Watchee Expendition for February. We flew in Winnipeg, Manitoba, stayed near airport one night and flew further north to Churchill next day. Weather was extremely cold with windchill temperature at -58C in Churchill when we arrived. We had to rent heavy boots, coats and pants to keep us warm. Our lodge is 40 miles south of Churchill. Since the railroad track to the lodge was damaged last winter, we had to take their specially equipped Matt truckvan driving on the frozen field since there is no road. It took us four hours to get us to Watchee Lodge, only lodge which takes you to track the bear cubs.

The lodge only opens six weeks in the whole year, sitting on a little hill surrounding by swamp. It can only take 20 some guests. However inside it is very warm and comfortable with satellite TV though internet works only some time. Two brothers, Michael and Morris Spence have owned and operated the place since 1994. 

Day one it was too cold for equipment to go out so we stayed inside. Second day out we saw arctic fox eating leftover caribou from wolves, but no bears. Third day we saw a lot of caribou, but still no bear. Michael told us that it was first time they saw caribou in this area in more than ten years. Caribou attracts wolves, which are dangerous to bear cubs. The main way for them to track bear is through their footprint. Due to many caribou and wolves, now it was very hard to see bear’s footprints around bank of frozen lakes which usually bears dent. The fourth day and fifth day we still had not seen any bear yet. Most of people only booked six days. So tomorrow would be their last day and last chance. During morning briefing on that day Morris was confident that we would see bears. Luckily we did only after less than two hour out, mom bear with twin cubs, first hidden in brush and later came out. Everyone was happy. In the next three days we only saw them once.

This is unique experience for us, meeting many new friends and hearing many their stories. We will never forget it. We are looking for our next adventure.

Windchill Temperature was -58C. It was so cold that hot water freezed when throwed out to air.

Cracks of frozen Lake

Northern lights

Northern Lights

Caribou first seen in a decade in the area.

A lonely Wolf in distance

Arctic Fox, eating leftover of caribou from wolves.

Polar bear Mom with twin cubs

A brave Moles came to check out cubs, escaping the cubs, but unfortunately later becoming Mom’s food.

Playful Twin cubs