Deep in Canada’s distant Brevoort Island, within the Nunavut territory, a radar technician was killed final week in a uncommon polar bear assault. Days earlier, a polar bear was noticed in Rankin Inlet, a distant, however pretty populated, Inuit settlement in the identical territory. Consultants warn that related encounters with polar bears will seemingly turn into extra frequent as local weather change destroys their habitats and makes it tougher to seek out meals.
John Ussak, a resident of Rankin Inlet, mentioned he was afraid the polar bear was stalking a well-liked summer time fishing spot, and tried to scare it with warning pictures, in line with The Guardian. “It took 20 pictures earlier than it thought of leaving,” he mentioned. “I’ve by no means seen that earlier than.” Days later, he reported one other polar bear sighting.
“Once I heard about what occurred to that technician, I used to be shocked,” Ussak mentioned. “We hardly used to see polar bears right here previously. However now we’ve had not less than two in the previous few weeks. It seems like there’s extra bears up in that space – they usually don’t appear afraid of individuals.”
Given the situation and the truth that two bears have been concerned, Andrew Derocher, a professor of biology on the College of Alberta, instructed The Guardian that the assault on Brevoort Island was “uncommon.”
“The fact is, polar bears are unpredictable at the most effective of instances,” Derocher mentioned. “And with all the environmental adjustments we’re seeing, they’re going to turn into extra unpredictable.”
In response to a 2017 research printed within the Wildlife Society Bulletin, polar bears usually tend to assault people after they’re “nutritionally burdened” and are in “below-average physique situation.”
Nasittuq Company, which employed the technician who was killed, mentioned “One of many animals was put down,” in line with the The New York Occasions. The corporate added, “The security and well-being of our staff is our highest precedence, and we’re deeply dedicated to making sure a secure working setting.” The assault occurred on an outpost of Nasittuq’s North Warning System, which protects North American airspace by detecting cruise missiles and plane, reported The New York Occasions.
In response to Parks Canada, in contrast to different species, polar bears can see people as a possible meals supply, making them extraordinarily harmful. In case of an encounter, it’s beneficial to hold deterrents similar to an air horn or bear spray, and enjoying useless isn’t efficient. As an alternative, it’s beneficial to again away slowly and put together to face your floor by making loud noises and put together for a possible battle, aiming for the nostril and head.
As local weather change worsens, polar bear populations will decline as they want sea ice for habitation and for capturing seals, in line with a 2020 analysis article printed within the journal Nature Local weather Change.
“Again within the Nineteen Eighties, polar bears would appear like big, fats sausages mendacity on the seashore in the summertime. However now, we’re seeing a inhabitants that’s a lot leaner general. And I think as meals turns into extra of a problem… they’ll begin getting into [human] communities. Are these communities prepared? Completely not. A handful have small polar bear patrol applications, however most don’t have anything” Derocher mentioned.
This article by Michael Riojas was first printed by EcoWatch on 22 August 2024. Lead Picture: Polar bear cubs with a backpack in Alaska. sarkophoto / iStock / Getty Photographs Plus.
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