In the fall polar bears congregate on the shores of Hudson Bay waiting for the bay to freeze over so they can go out on the ice to hunt for seals. The bears are in a period referred to as walking hibernation. They laze around, spar with each other, and check out the different tundra vehicles. We saw a bear skate across a frozen pond, and one climbed up under the propane tanks next to our lodge.

The sows will bring their cubs (usually about 8 months old) to the vehicles, as if it is a playmate while she rests. The bears are really curious of these humans sticking their heads out the widow peering down on them

They stand on their hind legs to look and sniff at us. The back deck of the buggy is open and has grating for the floor, so the bears can sniff at our boots. They are literally an inch away from us. The vehicle is designed so that even the biggest bear cannot reach us.

Click on the polar bear picture on the left to see a slide show of bears.

A discription of the trip is found when you click on the tundra buggy picture on the left.

Last Revised:8/18/04