Our guide promised it would be a better day today and we doubted him but he was right! We saw at one time over 27 bears together. But is is not just seeing the bears, it is watching them interact. These bears were all waiting for the Bay to freeze and as they did they were being themselves. Here are some images of the fascinating things we saw. First, young males practice attacking which they will need to do to secure a mate or to ward off others seeking their territory. Here are some shots of the sparring we enjoyed, Sometimes there were two and the then there were two sets of males and sometimes there were three together.
This first photo is the faceoff to see if they will spar. Size and smell determine the challenge.
After the faceooff there is the dance. Then the rumble. Of course, there has to be a victory.
But after a victory is the realization that they have not eaten for 8 months and that they are waiting for the ice to freeze and back to the ice to catch seals and eat.
This has been a fantastic two days and just to give an idea of how close we are to the bears-reach out and they can grab you two more photos should show the story.
Finally for today, the hare.
Michelle, the girls and I are loving following your trip! Your pictures are amazing!! It is so great for the girls to see polar bears in their natural habitat!
ReplyDeletestay warm!
Rhona