There one thing to remember if you ever visit the Polar Bear Capital of the World: don't lock your car. No, you don't have to worry about your car being stolen; nor is there a horde of carjacking polar bears roaming the Canadian north. Rather, cars are left unlocked in case you need to escape a bear.
The Polar Bear Capital Of The World
Located in the northern part of the province of Manitoba, Churchill borders the shores of Hudson Bear. Churchill's human population was 870 at the last census; its bear population is closer to 1000. For most of the year, the bears stick to the sea ice and leave the town alone.
Sharing the town with bears is a way of life in Churchill, especially in autumn. In October and November while they wait for the ice to freeze. Late autumn is the best time to see the bears, as they venture closer to town.
This is also the most dangerous time of the year, as the bears are at their hungriest. Feeding season begins once the ice is frozen over and the bears have better access to tasty seals. Until then, they live off of fat stores and small rodents.
Mama bears are extra hungry, as they've been eating for two or three the past few months. Nursing cuts into their prime feeding time. Not only are these bears hungry, they're fiercely protective of their cubs.
No matter how cute polar bears may be—especially when they're cubs—it's important to remember how deadly they are. Polar bears are one of the few animals on earth that actively see humans as prey. At over 1300 lbs, a single swipe from these massive predators means good night.
Eco-Tourism In Churchill
Nonetheless, the people of Churchill have found ways to coexist with the bears—after all, they were there first! During those weeks when the bears are at their most active, alerts are sent out if any are spotted too close to town, and gunshots are used to scare bears away. Repeat offenders are kept in a holding facility.
Commonly known as Polar Bear Jail, this facility can hold up to 20 bears. Most of the bears held behind bars are adolescents who don't understand the dangers of town. Once the bears serve their sentence of a few days up to a month, they're safely released far outside city limits.
During their confinement, the bears are given water to drink, but are not fed. Before you think this is inhumane, remember that their life cycle already involves extended fasts. Associating humans with food is the last thing you want from a bear.
While Polar Bear Jail isn't open for viewing—it isn't a zoo, though there is a lovely mural on the side—there are plenty of other opportunities for bear-watching. Several companies run polar bear tours, where you can safely observe this beautiful predators from tundra buggies. Getting close—but not too close—to the bears is an experience like no other.
However, it isn't just bears that tourists are visiting Churchill for. This northerly town, accessible only by air or sky is also home to beluga whales, Arctic foxes, and spectacular Northern Lights. There are roughly 300 Northern Lights sighting a year, so there's a good chance you'll be able to see bears and lights on the same day.
Bear-y Good Advice
Like with the bears, it is not recommended that you go out alone to see the lights. Any foot travel after dark is heavily discouraged. Not to worry, tour companies like to group bear safaris and Aurora viewings in one handy package.
Other practices Churchill recommends include traveling in groups with one person taking the role of bear monitor, and avoiding strong scents. Polar bears have excellent noses; they can catch a scent from more than 20 miles away! So, if you're planning a trip to the Polar Bear Capital of the World, make sure to travel in groups, leave the perfume at home, and keep your car unlocked just in case.
While you'll often see it repeated that locking your car is "illegal" in Churchill, there's no law saying that you cannot lock you car. Rather, it's common courtesy. In autumn, polar bears aren't sure when their next meal will come; don't let it be you!
