POLAR BEARS NEAR BARROW

Although I've seen polar bears while on nursing trips to Kaktovik, I haven't seen one in Barrow yet. The whale remains are taken far out of the village to the point where bears can enjoy them without human contact.  This notice came through the North Slope Borough email recently.  It was welcome as knowing there are polar bears nearby provides a possible opportunity for people here to see them, but also serves as a reminder to be alert to the danger they pose.

https://sp.north-slope.org/Public/Documents/2161/20141203140119.pdf

Several friends have told me that they've driven out to see the bears over the past two weeks. They saw a sow with two cubs who seem to be living in one of the cabins at the fish camp beyond the location of the Naval Arctic Research Lab (NARL) and Ilisagvik College and this side of the point. The pups go in and out of the cabin easily but the sow takes some time squeezing through the door not made for someone her size.  A male bear has been seen and the general consensus is that "he is as big as a dumpster".  

 I was house sitting last week, so had the use of the family's truck and almost ventured out to see the bears with friends, Mari and Jan, but had much difficulty starting the vehicle several times, so decided against it.  A major blizzard ensued on the morning of our proposed trek, creating white out conditions and high drifts, so along with the questionable dependability of the truck, we decided not to go.  Three women caught in a snow drift in a stalled truck near a polar bear as big as a dumpster.  An interesting headline, but not one that any of us would like to be featured in, I'm sure.  We're planning to go this Saturday in a dependable car that Jan has access to while her neighbor is away.  

 There have been high wind warnings for the past two days and it sounds as if rockets are taking off outside now.  We're hoping that things die down by Saturday.  Will post photos of any Nanook we are fortunate enough to be able to see.     

Comments

  1. AngelaFebruary 19, 2015 at 2:15 PM

    Hi Susie,

    My name is Angela and I am producing a documentary in Barrow and would love to speak with you. I ha e enjoyed reading your blog posts. Please email me at angeborg@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. AngelaFebruary 20, 2015 at 11:06 AM

    Hi Susi,
    I have enjoyed reading your posts and am researching for a documentary filming in Barrow in March. I would love to speak to you about the project and pick your brain about life in Barrow. Please feel free to email me at angeborg@gmail.com and I can tell you more about the documentary.

    Thanks,
    Angela

    ReplyDelete

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