In a heart-stopping moment, a man risked his life to save his wife from a polar bear attack in a remote First Nations community in north-eastern Canada.
The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, and miraculously, both the man and wife are expected to recover from their injuries.
The Attack
The couple stepped out of their house around 5 am to let their dogs out when they were ambushed by a polar bear in their driveway. The bear lunged at the woman, but her quick-thinking husband jumped onto the animal to protect her. The bear then turned its attention to the man, inflicting serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arms and legs.
The Rescue
A neighbor heard the commotion and sprang into action, shooting the bear several times with a gun. The injured bear retreated to nearby woods, where it eventually died from its injuries. Police arrived at the scene in Fort Severn First Nation, a community of about 360 people in northernmost Ontario, after reports of gunshots.
Polar Bears on the Move
So, why are polar bears venturing into human territories? According to Alysa McCall, a scientist at Polar Bears International, melting sea ice is forcing some polar bears to travel further inland in search of food. As climate change causes ocean temperatures to fluctuate, breaking up sea ice, some bears are left with no choice but to roam into human communities.
Debunking the Myth
If you’re attacked by a polar bear, don’t play dead – that’s a myth. Instead, fight as long as you can, advises McCall. Healthy polar bears on the sea ice have no reason to attack humans, but when they’re hungry, young, or unwell, they may see humans as a potential meal.
Community Solutions
Canada is home to about 16,000 polar bears, and isolated communities living at the top of the world have implemented different prevention programs to reduce encounters with these majestic but deadly creatures. In Arviat, a bear patrol system has dramatically reduced the number of bears killed in defence of life or property. The patrol involves snowmobile or four-wheeler patrols, spotlighting, revving engines, or using beanbag shotguns to haze the bears away.
In Churchill, polar bears that can’t be scared off are kept in an air-conditioned “bear jail” until the ice freezes up. They’re then transported out to where they can find natural prey like seals.
This heroic husband’s bravery is a testament to the importance of community and quick thinking in the face of danger. As polar bears continue to venture into human territories, it’s crucial that we find ways to coexist peacefully with these incredible creatures.