Western Hudson Bay polar bears spend a lot of time just lying around. They’ve evolved to lie low over the summer months after being forced off the melting ice around the first two weeks in July. In a normal year they’d be able to return to the ice around mid-November, ending their five-and-a-half-month fast.
I can only imagine it must be incredibly dull waiting for the ice to return. Throughout my many years of coming here, I’ve seen individual bears playing with sticks and other natural items like this piece of kelp. I have no idea if it’s playing, but it seems like it’s some form of keeping themselves busy.
For over 20 years, Polar Bears International has been a nonprofit I’ve volunteered my time and imagery to via the Arctic Documentary Project (ADP). All donations are tax-deductible if you would like to support my efforts. Please mention the ADP with your donation. Together we can help conserve these incredible animals.