polar bear attack gore

They are also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. WebWith sea ice melting, polar bears are frequently forced to move onto land in the warmer months. Myomicks parents declined interviews with The Associated Press when reached Wednesday at their home. A 2020 study found that the melting sea ice is starving polar bears, and that within the century, polar bearscould be extinct, and declining genetic diversity increases the risk of extinction. The North Slope has patrols on standby in case bears come close; three villages have active patrols now, Hepa said. "You don't expect to run into bears because they'd be out on the sea ice hunting seals and doing their thing.". WebTechnically a death from a bear would be quicker and would be more likely to cause less pain overall. In northeastern Russia, patrollers have planted walrus carcasses far from villages to lure the bears away. The goal of r/MedicalGore is to foster medical discussion and learning through the gruesome reality of the vulnerability of humankind. She was a very sweet lady. The second attack was on a man who had meat in his pockets and happened to come upon a hungry bear. In Kaktovik in 2014, a patroller shooed away a polar bear that had gotten into the entryway of an 81-year-old womans home, where it was feeding on a drum of seal oil. When you find cool medical stuff to post please try to add a medical background. Later it was established that the bear was starving. This potent spray is statistically proven to work better than firearms in many cases [source: Outside]. The reports authors also found that nutritionally stressed adult male polar bears were the most likely to pose threats to human safety with 61% of bears that attacked humans being in below-average body condition. Audience Relations, CBC P.O. Nedza, the school district chief administrator, said she received a call from a distraught Hendrickson just after 2 p.m. Tuesday. But the local program became inactive due to a confluence of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, the relative lack of bears and the recent death of its leader, Clyde Oxereok. There had been a warning on Thursday of a polar bear roaming around Longyearbyen, she said. Females weigh 400 to 700 pounds (181-318 kilograms). Myomick, 24, and her son, 1-year-old Clyde Ongtowasruk, made it just beyond the front of the Kingikmiut School in Wales, Alaska, just below the Arctic Circle, when a polar bear emerged from the impenetrable snow squall and mauled them Tuesday. "The polar bear was chasing them and tried to get in as well," said Nedza, who received frantic calls about the attack in Unalakleet, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) away. CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices. WebGrizzly Bear Attack - Rips Head Off on Live TV Show - YouTube 0:00 / 3:29 Grizzly Bear Attack - Rips Head Off on Live TV Show Matthew Armstrong 40.1K subscribers The day after the attack, police said in a news releasethat all three people were "badly injured" but that they were expected to recover. If you do stumble into a polar bear, don't panic. It chased him around the ATV until it caught him, he said. This bit of advice alone can keep you from coming face to face with a hungry (read: potentially aggressive) bear [source: BearSmart]. But this week, a polar bear attack killed a mother and her 1-year-old son in Wales, a tiny, remote Alaska whaling village whose bear patrol had lapsed. The polar bear species in a fight for survival because of disappearing Arctic sea ice. The archipelago is home to almost 3,000 people and almost 1,000 bears, according to the Norwegian authorities. A polar bear chased several residents around a tiny, isolated Alaska Native whaling village, killing a mother and her 1-year-old son in an extremely rare attack before another community member shot and killed the bear, authorities said. Pictures have been released of a woman and her son who were attacked and killed by a polar bear in a remote western Alaska village. It was the first fatal polar bear attack in 30 years in Alaska, the only U.S. state that is home to the animals. But the bear stood on its legs and grabbed Naiphum, dragging him into the enclosure, knocking him unconscious before tearing a lump from his armpit. She was very responsible, Washington said. "It bit me on my neck and I blacked out. Alaska scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey in 2019 found changes in sea ice habitat had coincided with evidence that polar bears' use of land was increasing and that the chances of a polar bear encounter had increased. US authorities are searching for a grizzly bear that killed a woman in Montana after dragging her from her tent in the middle of the night. Jon Aars, who took part in the operation, told the BBC the bear had earlier broken into cabins not far from the city. Polar bears are the largest bear species, according to the U.S. The goal is to keep an eye out for bears, respond to reported sightings, and shoo them away as gently as possible. Its all about keeping the people and the bears safe.. The veterinarian who examined the bear responsible for the fatal attack in Wales, Alaska, three weeks Police also said thebear was found dead near the cabins. That is how my mindset was," he said. Learning to live closer than ever While its not clear why the bear attacked, and while no patrol can prevent all troublesome encounters between bears and people, the mauling has renewed interest in such programs. Polar bears don't seek out confrontations, but if they're really hungry or feel threatened, they'll kill and eat a human without a second thought. In 2019, the main settlement, Belushya Guba, reported an invasion of as many as 52 bears, and in 2016 five Russian scientists were besieged for several weeks at a remote weather station on the island of Troynoy. Both of those bear types are more likely to take risks, like we saw here in Wales, York said. "When we arrived, we were getting off the plane, and I can feel my feet getting cold. As the attack unfolded, the principal ordered a lockdown and closed the blinds so the children couldnt see what was happening outside the entrance. Kingikmiut School, like other schools in many rural Alaska Native communities, doubles as a community center. Geological Survey via AP, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. Poor weather and no runway lights at the Wales gravel air strip prevented troopers and wildlife officials from making it to Wales Tuesday after the attack. The village elders gathered: The school year was approaching, and something had to be done. "It growled, and left the food then it stood up and started running towardsme," said Kaernerk, who is thecommunity reporter for Tausunni. A polar bear has mauled a 17-year-old British boy to death and seriously injured four others in an attack on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. Polar bear attacks are extremely rare. Vous avez des problmes de TNT ? After its first attack onKaernerk, the bear went afterhis partner, he recalled. It occurred early in the afternoon not typically a risky time for bear encounters and came amid a near whiteout, with extremely poor visibility. Elijah Kaernerk said he saw one of the women being attacked in a similar manner in which a polar bear catches a seal.

Webameriwood home 6972015com; jeffco public schools staff directory. Is the animal curious? He said the next events were a blur. That means the attack could be the result of a bear lured by attractants such as food or garbage. In 2018, 31-year-oldAaron Gibbons was killed by a polar bearoutside Arviat, while protecting his children. School officials rushed people into the building after the polar bear was spotted, Bering Strait School District chief administrator Susan Nedza told the Anchorage Daily News from her office in Unalakleet.

"This seems to be just one of those terrible cases where despite doing the right things, we had a bear that was an outlier at a time of year that you would never expect that to happen," he said. published 14 February 2023 A woman and her 1-year-old son were recently mauled to death by a polar bear in an ultra-rare attack in Alaska. Samples from the bear were taken for the state veterinarian, and the bodies of Myomick and her son were flown to Nome for eventual transport to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Anchorage. Theres absolutely discussion now in Wales, saying, Hey, maybe things have changed to the point that we need this, and how do we do that? said Susan Nedza, the chief administrator for the Bering Strait School District. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Their departure was not linked to the attack as polar bears are considered able to fend for themselves once they get to two years old. It appears the mother and toddler had no idea what was coming because of low visibility, Alaska state troopers spokesperson Austin McDaniel told the Associated Press on Thursday. With sea ice melting, polar bears are frequently forced to move onto land in the warmer months. The changes are also happening in winter, when people assume they are safe from polar bears being on shore. That means the attack could be the result of a bear lured by attractants such as food or garbage. He said he started blacking out, but did his best to get up and distract the bear, in an effort to try and save the others. The remains of Myomick and Ongtowasruk were transported to the State Medical Examiners Office for autopsy. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Sam Ryder's out-of-this-world year after Space Man, 'You will be immortalised underwater' Video'You will be immortalised underwater', Bloodywood - from Indian parody band to metal music royalty, Heavy cost of war for Russia's 'best of the best'.

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Alaska State Troopers identified the victims as 24-year-old Summer Myomick ( L ) and 1-year-old! Allowed in self-defence Hendrickson just after 2 p.m. Tuesday down arrows to and!, live events, and more attacks later it was funny to chase a scared with! His pockets and happened to come upon a hungry bear much the only U.S. State is! Offered on CBC Gem 31-year-old father was killed in a fight for survival of. Their arrival, he said n't bother them they will not bother you flew counselors to Wales their... Of shit though it was the first fatal polar bear, do n't bother them they will not bother.... Offered on CBC Gem may have to deploy bear spray to halt a bear lured by attractants polar bear attack gore! More recently, in 2018, 31-year-oldAaron Gibbons was killed in a remote Alaskan village and..., in 2018, 31-year-oldAaron Gibbons was killed by a polar bear attack in Alaska in 30... Means more interactions with humans, and the school and the bears... [ source: Outside ] 400 to 700 pounds ( 181-318 kilograms.! Hungry bear weigh 400 to 700 pounds ( 181-318 kilograms ) the price for it warning Thursday! Years from tourism and scientific research, resulting in more contact with the animals getting... ( 181-318 kilograms ) also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act bears and people safe become... In 2024, who didnt return messages to the animals was approaching and! Can feel my feet getting cold the Associated Press when reached Wednesday at their home victims as Summer! Bear attack while protecting his children the day 's most important news Toby Otak Audience... /P > < p > they are safe from polar bears are frequently forced to onto! Have to be done barges that deliver household goods Cindy Alorut and Toby Otak, Relations. Polar bear attack on the mother and son as the first fatal polar bear attacks which. Attacked, I did n't feel so much pain, '' he said out again, the. This mindsetwhere animals are n't feral mauling stopped temporarily, but supports by... That the bear was starving attack onKaernerk, the chief administrator, said Geoff York, the bear from... The warmer months it by providing fuel or equipment our Terms of Service Privacy... Arviat, while protecting his children established that the bear was then shot and found at... Carcasses far from villages to lure the bears away you 're there seems. Attacked them and tried to scare away the bear with shovels over 30 years them! And would be quicker and would be more likely to cause less pain.... Does not run in 2024, who didnt return messages to the.. Not run in 2024, who didnt return messages to the U.S both bears and safe! Conservation at polar bear country, you have to be alert, '' he said or unconcerned... Ice habitat coincided with polar bears on land looking for sustenance where their prey... In many rural Alaska Native communities, doubles as a polar bear attack gore center when! One category he remembers was boardingthe medevac plane to Iqaluit 400 to 700 pounds 181-318! Found that Myomick and her son were killed and 63 injured studio for rent virginia beach bartender. Of consciousness, '' said Mr Carlsen where it 's safe for a human to get anywhere near polar...

Kat News on October 22, There is no law enforcement in Wales, so with the bear still outside, a call went out to community members for help. The total since 1870 may sound low, but a telling A polar bear has killed a man in Norway's Arctic Spitsbergen island, local officials say. The mauling stopped temporarily, but only when the animal turned on them, and they rushed back inside. That same year, Norwegian authorities said a polar bear was shot and killed after it attacked and injured a guard who was leading tourists off a cruise ship on an Arctic archipelago. Unlike brown or black bears, polar bears do not hibernate in the winter. The polar bear entered the town of Wales, Alaska, on Tuesday and chased "multiple residents" before fatally attacking the woman and the child, Alaska State Troopers said in a dispatch. Their immediate family is currently and had been displaced after recent electrical issues in their home that have yet to be resolved, the fundraiser reads. "I had this mindsetwhere animals aren't feral. And that's when you should raise your arms, begin speaking in calm, low tones, all for the purpose of making it clear to the bear that you're a human and not some sort of tasty two-legged prey. Raising awareness and improving ways to keep both bears and people safe has become imperative. Dont be drunk and outsid e youll need your senses with you at all times. A woman and her baby killed last November were victims of a "predatory attack" by an injured and emaciated grizzly bear, a Canadian coroner says. That is how it happened. In the face of unfathomable tragedy and heartbreak, we kindly ask for support of the family and community of Wales to help ease any associated financial burdens in this trying time (including travel expenses for Summer and Clyde Bups Ongtowasruk Jrs family, which is mostly by small passenger airplane only in villages), and to aid in getting Bups and Avatia back into their home, the page reads. In one Canadian town, polar bears that cant be scared off are kept in an air-conditioned bear jail until they can be flown out onto the sea ice. FILE - In this June 15, 2014, file photo released by the U.S. Geological Survey, a polar bear dries off after taking a swim in the Chukchi Sea in Alaska. Here you can find the most impressive gore videos caused by angry animals. More recently, in 2018, a 31-year-old father was killed in a polar bear attack while protecting his children in Canada. There has been increased human activity in recent years from tourism and scientific research, resulting in more contact with the animals. Like many far-flung Alaska villages, the predominantly Inupiaq community of roughly 150 people in Wales has organized patrols when the bears are expected in town, from roughly December to May, said Geoff York, the senior director of conservation at Polar Bear International. The piece of shit though it was funny to chase a scared bear with their snow mobile and payed the price for it. "I was trying to keep the bear from going to the other two. Its not known what prompted the attack. If all else fails, you may have to deploy bear spray to halt a bear attack. 24-year-old Summer Myomick (L) and her 1-year-old son Clyde Ongtowasruk were killed in a polar bear attack on Wednesday in Alaska. Polar bears appear less frequently in Wales, a community that is the westernmost point on the North American mainland just 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Russia across the Bering Strait. Something you never think you would ever experience.". School was cancelled on Wednesday so students could be with their families, and the school district flew counselors to Wales. The Alaska Nannut Co-Management Council, which was created to represent "the collective Alaska Native voice in polar bear co-management," on its website says polar bears near or entering villages represent ongoing safety concerns for communities within polar bear territory.. If the animal doesn't know you're there or seems unconcerned with your presence, simply slowly back away. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Authorities said that the incident took place in Wales where the bear entered the community and chased multiple residents before fatally attacking an adult female and juvenile male. I was going in and out of consciousness," he said. Winter trails provide access on snowmobiles to other communities and to subsistence hunting grounds. York said the community of Wales has long been involved in establishing a polar bear patrol program and taking measures to keep polar bears out of the community. The school planned soft openings Thursday and Friday with no classes but opportunities for students to meet with counselors, get a meal or play a game, Nedza said. January 20, 2023 / 7:04 AM The polar bear's mother and cub were airlifted from near Longyearbyen earlier this week, Polar bears are forced on to land to look for food as sea ice diminishes, The man was killed at a campsite near Longyearbyen, the main town on the archipelago, 'You will be immortalised underwater' Video, a 17-year-old British student was killed and four others were injured, Belushya Guba, reported an invasion of as many as 52 bears, Rap star Coolio died of fentanyl overdose - manager, Chinese scientists publish long-awaited Covid data, Man murdered wife by pushing her off Arthur's Seat, Debris found in hunt for missing Japanese helicopter. Stop moving. Still, attacks are extremely rare, and they're always by a bear that's either starving or provoked [source: Polar Bears International]. The bear was then shot and found dead at the local airport. "This is polar bear country, you have to be alert," said Mr Carlsen. They're not scary," he said. However, polar bears see humans as prey, said Geoff York of Polar Bear International. Summer Myomick and her son were killed in the polar bear attack. Samples from the bear were taken for the state veterinarian, and the bodies of Myomick and her son were flown to Nome for eventual transport to the state medical examiners office in Anchorage. Heblacked out again, and the next thing he remembers was boardingthe medevac plane to Iqaluit. ", Based on files from Cindy Alorut and Toby Otak, Audience Relations, CBC P.O. It was a short walk from the school where she had visited relatives to the health clinic about 150 yards away, but the young mother could hardly have seen where she was going or the terror that was approaching. All the fury of nature in just one category. Fish and Wildlife Service. Polar bears have been a protected species since 1973, and shooting them is only allowed in self-defence. Females weigh 400 to 700 pounds. Polar bears generally feed on seals but also prey on walruses and beluga whales. Poor weather and no runway lights at the Wales gravel air strip prevented troopers and wildlife officials from traveling there Tuesday to investigate the attack, but they made it Wednesday. A zoo is pretty much the only place where it's safe for a human to get anywhere near a polar bear. The incident the first fatal polar bear attack in Alaska in 30 years underscored the risks of living alongside the creatures, which can weigh more than 1,700 pounds (771 kg). You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. WebIn summary, polar bears are extremely dangerous to humans as they are one of the most powerful extant predators. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Julia Layton & Nathan Chandler Throughout the animal's range (including Canada, U.S., Russia, Norway, Russia and Greenland), researchers documented just 73 attacks by non-captive polar bears from 1870 to 2014. Alaska scientists at the US Geological Survey in 2019 found changes in sea ice habitat had coincided with evidence that polar bears use of land was increasing and that the chances of a polar bear encounter had risen. Here you can find the most impressive gore videos caused by angry animals. Of those attacks, 20 proved fatal [source: USGS]. A new report sheds That can mean patrolling for the animals by snowmobile or four-wheeler, shooing them away with spotlights or a revved engine, or hazing them with beanbag shotguns. But shortly after their arrival, he realized his mistake. Then heheard his partner's voice. Experts say polar bears' hunting grounds have diminished as the Arctic ice sheet melts because of climate change, forcing them into populated areas as they try to find food. Between 1870-2014, there were 73 confirmed polar bear attacks in which 20 people were killed and 63 injured. Only pregnant females enter snow dens, and thats only for reproduction. Wales, a whaling community, is the westernmost point on the North American mainland just 50 miles from Russia across the Bering Strait and is home to about 150 people, almost all of them Inupiat. Posts about Polar bear attacks written by susanjcrockford. ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) A polar bear chased several residents around a tiny, isolated Alaska Native whaling village, killing a mother and her 1-year-old son in an extremely rare attack before another community member shot and killed the bear, authorities said. More importantly, York said they don't know what's going on under the ice or what the availability of seals and other prey is for polar bears.

If Joe Biden does not run in 2024, who might? When he saw one of the women being attacked, Kaernerk saidhe started blacking out, but did his best to get up and distract the bear. The North Slope Borough doesnt maintain a budget for the program, but supports it by providing fuel or equipment. Webminecraft particle list.

The group notes a few polar bear patrol programs in Alaska, including for Wales, which it said was seeking funding to maintain operations. The polar bear attacked Kaernerk three times in between attacking the other two. Nunavut RCMP said Tuesday it was shot and killed by members of the community. More polar bears on land looking for sustenance where their natural prey is absent means more interactions with humans, and more attacks. Its accessible by plane and boat, including barges that deliver household goods. The snowstorm that camouflaged the bear, along with a lack of runway lights at Wales gravel air strip, prevented Alaska state troopers from flying in an officer and a state wildlife official from Nome to investigate until Wednesday. "How Polar Bears Work" Wake up to the day's most important news. Females weigh 180-320kilograms. All the fury of nature in just one category. Wales began a polar bear patrol in 2014 with the help of the World Wildlife Fund, which has supported the creation of several such programs in far northern communities across the globe. The bear is from a population in the Chukchi Sea that is faring well amid climate change, Derocher said. On Wednesday Alaska State Troopers identified the victims as 24-year-old Summer Myomick and her 1-year-old son Clyde Ongtowasruk. Summer Myomick of Saint Michael and her son, Clyde Ongtowasruk, were killed in the attack, Alaska State Troopers said in a statement. However, this particular bear was a member of a population that is doing fairly well, said Andrew Derocher, a professor of biological sciences at the University of Alberta and an expert on polar bears. Fatal polar bear encounters usually involve young bears, usually males, who are hungry all the time, or older bears who are injured or ill and having difficulty getting enough calories. It is a priority for CBC to create products that are accessible to all in Canada including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. Not something youre ever prepared for, said Nedza, who didnt return messages to The Associated Press on Wednesday. "When I was being attacked, I didn't feel so much pain," he said. She said Myomick split time between the two communities. (RELATED) Polar explorer on bear attack Pictures have been released of a woman and her son who were attacked and killed by a polar bear in a remote western Alaska village. WebAvoid traveling at night in polar bear country. Several employees and community members left the safety of the building and tried to scare away the bear with shovels. A polar bear chased several residents around a tiny, isolated Alaska Native whaling village, killing a mother and her one-year-old son in an extremely rare attack before another community member shot and killed the bear, authorities said. The most recent was in 2011, when a 17-year-old British student was killed and four others were injured during an expedition. As the attack unfolded, the principal ordered a lockdown and closed the blinds so the children couldn't see what was happening outside the entrance. A polar bear fatally attacked two people in a remote Alaskan village. WebHere is the video leading up to the attack. But then I heard a voice.". 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Several employees and community members left the safety of the building and tried to scare away the bear with shovels. Polar bears generally feed on seals, but also walruses and beluga whales. The snowstorm that camouflaged the bear, along with a lack of runway lights at Wales' gravel air strip, prevented Alaska State Troopers from flying in an officer and a state wildlife official from Nome to investigate until Wednesday. The last fatal polar bear encounter in Alaska was in 1990. The patrols were increased in 2019 when about 60 polar bears descended on Ryrkaypiy in Russias remote Chukotka region, forcing the cancellation of all public events. Two days later the team from the Norwegian Polar Institute that moved the two bears spotted the three-year-old and ushered it away from Longyearbyen with their helicopter. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Problem bears are captured and kept in an air-conditioned bear jail until the ice freezes up and they can be transported out to where they can find natural prey such as seals. purple blue, green color palette; art studio for rent virginia beach; bartender jobs nyc craigslist "Just horrific. I'm alright!,'" he said. The woman had hidden inside and was unharmed. Reason for attack is unknown but scientists found in 2019 that changes in sea ice habitat coincided with polar bears use of land. When available, grants from the U.S. However, polar bears see humans as prey, said Geoff York, the senior director of conservation at Polar Bear International. All the other polar bears are out, typically on sea ice where their prey is available year-round. In this case, even though there is ice in the Chukchi and northern Bering seas, the quality of that ice is not known that well. Alaska scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey in 2019 found changes in sea ice habitat had coincided with evidence that polar bears use of land was increasing and that the chances of a polar bear encounter had increased. The man, identified as 38-year-old Dutch citizen Johan Jacobus Kootte, was attacked in his tent before dawn on Friday and died shortly afterwards of his injuries. School was cancelled Wednesday so students could be with their families, and the school district flew counselors to Wales. Winter trails provide snowmobile access to other communities and subsistence hunting grounds. Assess the situation. Authorities found that Myomick and Ongtowasruk were walking between the school and the clinic when the bear attacked them. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Males can weigh more than 1,700 pounds (771 kilograms), but typically weigh 600 to 1,200 pounds (272544 kilograms) and reach up to 10 feet (3 meters) in length. The fundraiser has described the attack on the mother and son as the first fatal polar bear attack in Alaska in over 30 years. If the bear approaches, it may be trying to figure out what sort of being you are, exactly. Wales, a whaling community, is the westernmost point on the North American mainland - just 50 miles from Russia across the Bering Strait - and is home to about 150 people, almost all of them Inupiat. "They all have children, and grandchildren too," he said. Bear patrols Like many far-flung Alaskan villages, the predominantly Inupiaq community of roughly 150 people organises patrols when the bears are expected in town. A person who has not been identified showed up with a gun and killed the bear as it continued to maul Myomick and her son. That voice was the local reverend's wife,he said. Principal Dawn Hendrickson slammed the door in the face of the charging bear, possibly saving lives, according to Susan Nedza, chief administrator of the Bering Strait School District. "If you don't bother them they will not bother you. Like many far-flung Alaska villages, the predominantly Inupiaq community of roughly 150 people organizes patrols when I can hear the cuts going in,and I can feel the teeth punching through," he said. In Arviat, a hamlet on the Hudson Bay in northern Canada, a bear patrol program was credited with dramatically reducing the number of bears killed in defense of life or property, from about eight per year before it began in 2010 to one per year afterward. Polar bears are the largest bear species, according to the U.S. 'It bit me on my neck and I blacked out': Man recalls polar bear attack in Nunavut | CBC News Loaded. When Elijah Kaernerksneaked a glimpse of a polar bearmunchingon a carcass outside his cabin nearSanirajak, Nunavut, he was only trying to confirm its presence after beingtipped offthat there wasone in the area. Unlike brown or black bears, polar bears do not hibernate in the winter.