Iqaluit bear sighting “not that unusual,” GN official says

Conservation officers shot and killed this polar bear Sept. 15, after it was found wandering around the ridge that overlooks the Iqaluit airport. (PHOTO COURTESY OF GIDEONIE JOAMIE)

Conservation officers shot and killed a polar bear that wandered near the Iqaluit airport Sept 15, the third bear sighting since July.

“It is a bit unusual to see so many around here, but in the big picture its not that unusual. The population is quite healthy right across Nunavut, so it is to be expected to see bears around,” said the Government of Nunavut’s assistant deputy minister of environment, Steve Pinksen.

According to a statement provided by the Nunavut Department of Environment, the bear was spotted shortly after noon near the airport paving plant on Federal Road.

A team of RCMP, conservation and Iqaluit by-law officers restricted access to the site before shooting the adult female bear.

The local hunting and trapping organization have assigned a tag to the bear and will enter it into their annual quota.

The remains of the bear were turned over to students of the Environmental Technology Program at the Nunavut Arctic College to learn the skinning process and to examine organs and body parts for educational purposes.

This is the third bear sighting in Nunavut’s capital this year.

In July, officers were forced to destroy a bear that trekked back into town after being driven away the day before.

That same week a second bear was spotted in downtown Iqaluit.

The GN’s environment department believes weather played a principle role in the number of bear visits to the city this year, and that the smells of the city probably drew the bear to investigate.

“This number of bears closer to town this year is probably related to the ice we had in the bay and how the ice stayed so long. It really provided a highway for the bears to stay around,” Pinksen said.

“We are working closely with the RCMP and by-law for communications protocols, and also very closely with the HTO to ensure that any sightings are reported promptly, which has been happening.”

The Department of Environment reminds residents to avoid polar bears if spotted and to seek shelter indoors or in a vehicle.

If a bear is seen, Iqalungmiut are asked to immediately call the local wildlife office at 867-975-7900.