Record late formation of Hudson Bay sea ice leads to more polar bear clashes
CHURCHILL, Man. — Manitoba conservation officials say late sea ice formation on Hudson Bay has lead to a record number of polar bear encounters with the people of Churchill.
Polar bears came too close to town almost 390 times this year — a jump from 351 in 2015 and 229 in 2013. Some 53 bears were held in the town’s so-called polar bear jail and all had been released by last week.
Daryll Hedman with Manitoba Conservation said the sea ice didn’t form until well into December, leaving hungry polar bears crowded on the shore.
“They were sitting there waiting. There were some pretty big concentrations of males out there,” he said. “Eventually the ice did come in.