We landed in Churchill about an hour ago and it took no time at all for me to see my first polar bear. But, unfortunately, the bear that we saw was suspended high up in the air from a helicopter. He was on his way to Polar Bear Jail - I suspect to got a little too close to somewhere he shouldn't have been.
As soon as we arrived in the airport, we were greeted by Sarah and Amy from Polar Bears International. They mentioned a sad experience that they had last night - seeing about eight large male bears eating old, fermented grains near the old dump.
So, the thing I'm already struggling with is whether the bears are getting in our way or whether we're getting in the way of the bears...
I can't wait to see some photos and hear about your adventures. You are so blessed to be part of this wonderful experience. Maybe we can incorporate some of your new knowledge in this year's Heritage Fair. I will have to think about how to do that. I will check back each day to see and read about what you are doing. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to share!
ReplyDeleteCarmen Lachance
École Assiniboine
Thanks, Andy, for sharing your experience. Coincidentally, I have a lesson planned for tomorrow that involves this very topic as we read an editorial on climate change and the disappearing ice.
ReplyDeleteYour picture of the polar bear heading to "jail" is now what I'll use to begin the lesson.
No doubt, once I explain who you are, my students will demand we tune in for your daily update. Absolutely.
Good question Andy - one which you'll ask yourself repeatedly I think - beautiful photos - thanks for sharing your adventure and work!
ReplyDelete@Carmen - We'll have to put our heads together later this month to discuss some of the many ways I plan to share this experience with educators and students... really hoping that we can inspire all kinds of people to take action :-)
ReplyDelete@Heather - the timing of my Churchill adventure couldn't have worked out better! If you and your students have questions that you'd like addressed by the Tundra Connections panelists, feel free to post them as comments on this site & I'll see what I can do... better yet - tweet me :-)
if polars bears could talk they would say do not litter and turn off light
ReplyDelete