Leisurely Swim

Polar bears rely on smell and wind direction to hunt, study confirms | Toronto Star

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/04/12/study-confirms-polar-bears-rely-on-their-nose-through-wind-to-hunt-seals.html

Play-based learning at Duncan J. Schoular Public School in Smiths Falls brings polar bears into the classroom

Awwww ... great to see how our bears inspire children to learn! Keep in mind, we also offer educational courses where our Keepers and Bears interact with students virtually in their classrooms via their smart boards and monitors! Contact us for more info! http://www.insideottawavalley.com/community-story/7230891-play-based-learning-at-duncan-j-schoular-public-school-in-smiths-falls-brings-polar-bears-into-the/

VOCM - Brookside Polar Bear to Be Relocated, After Locals Take a Peek

This relocation story is a little more positive, however, as our friend Ian in Newfoundland noted, this bear was on the south side of Newfoundland, which is pretty rare. It was relocated to the north. http://vocm.com/news/brookside-polar-bear-to-be-relocated-after-locals-take-a-peek/

Polar bear shot by wildlife officers near Catalina after being deemed public safety risk

Unfortunate, but sometimes unavoidable. In this case due to fog, the helicopter couldn't fly ... so, since the bear would have to be slung by that helicopter within a short time after tranquilizing, they deemed it necessary to dispatch the bear. They did also try a baited trap, so it is questionable whether a scent trail would have worked, especially given how close they are to the shore. It's always sad to hear, regardless. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/polar-bear-shot-catalina-1.4063378

Amidst all the news of Polar bears appearing in towns in New Foundland and Labrador, we feel this would be the perfect opportunity to refresh our followers' bear saftey knowledge! This information is not only applicable to polar bears but also to black bears which will be waking up soon and looking for their first meal after their long winters sleep. * The most important aspect fo bear safety is prevention. Ensure that all food sources, such as coolers and garbage are securely stored indoors or in a suitable bear proof bin. Bears will often walk through towns but if there is no reason for them to stay, they will keep moving and pose no threat to humans. * When spending time outdoors in areas where bears are known to live, stay in groups, keeper dogs on a leash, make noise and carry bear spray. * If you see a bear, do NOT approach it. Calmly leave the area and if you are concerned, contact your local government wildlife authority. If you would like to see a bear proof bin in action and how effective they can be, check out Ganuk trying his best to get into a Tuff Box https://youtu.be/h83OzKp2Y1g

Photos from Polar Bear Habitat's post

Although it's certainly not unusual for polar bears to be in Labrador and Newfoundland, the recent ice may have brought in a few more visitors than usual. Sub-adult males especially are very curious ... and somewhat goofy. If they haven't had a negative experience with humans, they can sometimes be cocky enough to get closer than a more seasoned bear. Mothers with cubs also tend to be a lot more cautious, and not usually as brave as the bear shown in these shots. Stay safe everyone - make sure you're not attracting a bear with garbage, petroleum, dog food or grease - stay clear ... and hopefully the promise of seals out on the ice will motivate them back out.

Photos from Polar Bear Habitat's post

Our Polar Bear Gala isn't until June 2nd, but we've already got some amazing items for our first ever online "Experience Auction". That's right ... life is about living - not things that will eventually end up in a landfill, and we're giving our friends and supporters the opportunity to bid on adventures, once in a lifetime experiences and bucket list items that may occur in Cochrane - or somewhere else in the world. By May 1st we'll be adding auction items to a page on our website so everyone has a chance to bid on an amazing unique opportunity - and support the Polar Bear Habitat's Education and Conservation programs at the same time. These are just some of the unbelievably cool things we have so far; -Co-Host Moose FM's Morning Show with Tim Rout for an Hour -4 VIP MAGIC Passes which will allow unlimited access to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast and Paradise Country on the Gold Coast, Australia (This one if for all our Aussie Friends and Henry Fans!!!) - Polar Bear Express Tickets for 2 from Cochrane to Moosonee and 1 Nights Accommodation at Ontario Northland's beautiful Station Inn (close to the Habitat) - Learn to Bake one morning with Cochrane's own Mike the Mad Baker! (But you'll have to get up really early in the morning for this one and I'm pretty sure he's not going to give you his top secret Apple Fritter recipe) - Sing a Song with the Swamp Rockers at the Polar Bear Gala! This item in Cochrane will close off a week before our gala so whomever the highest bidder is can arrange what song they're going to do with the band. Stay tuned for more amazing experiences! Auction will open May 1st on our website with links on FB. Some restrictions will apply. If you'd like to offer an experience, or help out in any way with our gala - contact k.cummings@polarbearhabitat.ca

Driver narrowly misses polar bear on commute to St. Anthony

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/polar-bear-photo-hunt-northern-peninsula-close-call-1.4049935

Bubble Bath

Walk All Over You

When you're just hanging out, minding your own business, and then ... wait for it.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Interesting.