Polar bear takes a stroll through Nunavut’s capital

A polar bear is reported to have come through Iqaluit’s Plateau neighbourhood around noon July 16, and continued on west through to the city’s causeway. (PHOTO BY ADAM LARKIN)

Territorial wildlife officers are warning Iqalungmiut to stay away from the city’s causeway, where a polar bear was seen July 16 in the early afternoon.

Residents saw the polar bear roaming through the city just after noon hour, when many people were home for lunch.

Adam Larkin spotted the bear from his home in the Plateau neighbourhood, where he said the animal ran downhill towards the RCMP building and continued heading west.

Conservation officers report that the bear was last seen heading towards the causeway, away from the city. Officers are monitoring the situation, said the Government of Nunavut’s department of environment.

This is the second bear to come into Iqaluit in the same week; the first was spotted lingering around the shoreline overnight, and was eventually destroyed by wildlife officers.