Ontario's Ghost Bears

Polar Bears in Ontario? No way, you say? Well it's true. But most people have a very hard time including Polar Bears and Ontario in the same sentence. And yet, Polar Bears can be found at certain times of the year less than 150 kilometres north of Cochrane, Ontario. The area known as the James Bay Lowlands has a fairly regular population of Polar Bears. In fact, studies initiated by the Ministry of Natural Resources back in the 1980's revealed many more Polar Bears inhabiting Ontario than was first thought.

For some time it was speculated that Ontario might have fewer than 40 resident "ghost bears", as they are sometimes called.

However, the most recent figures (2004) show their numbers to be substantially higher with about 935 populating the Western Hudson Bay area and about 1000 occupying Southern Hudson Bay.

Research has shown that when compared to historic levels the Western Hudson Bay bears have been reduced and are declining in number. The Southern Hudson Bay bears (according to stats provided by World Wildlife Fund 1988) showed no reduction in numbers and that their population trend was stable but that a population decline was predicted over the coming ten years. In the meantime, since the 1988 figures were collected on the Southern Hudson Bay bears, very recent Ontario Government research shows that this population is now experiencing significant declines in body condition since the Mid-1980's, which, when combined with satellite data on dwindling sea ice, suggests that population declines may occur (Obbard et al.2006).

The main threats to the continued survival of Polar Bear populations are the loss of sea ice and prey due to climate change, increased industrial activity, i.e. oil and gas exploration and development, unsustainable harvest (killing) for some populations, (both legal and illegal), conflicts with humans, scientific research, cannibalism- (male Polar bears have been known to kill and consume females and cubs), and tourism.

When speaking of tourism and Polar Bears it should be noted that Cochrane Ontario is famous as the starting out point for the Polar Bear Express, which makes daily trips to the southern edge of James Bay. Many people, including myself, must occasionally give their heads a shake to remember that this southern edge of what is called the Arctic ice cap is still a part of our province. Until folks have traveled to Ontario's furthest most points in all directions, it's difficult to get a handle on just how large and diverse it really is.

We certainly live in a province of extremes in climate, animal life and topography. Frankly it's ironic that so much attention is paid to the Grizzly bear of the Pacific Northwest through movies and television shows while here, in the far northern section of our very own province, we Ontarians have a species of bear that is even larger than the Grizzly.

Being the largest bear in the world, a male Polar bear can measure 5 feet at the shoulder (while on all four feet), and 8 to 12 feet tall when standing fully erect. Males can weigh from 880 lbs. to 1200 lbs., while females average between 660 lbs. to 800 lbs-- not a small animal! The average paw size for these enormous mammals is about 12 to 13 inches in length and about 10 inches in width.

Polar Bears, unlike Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, and the huge Kodiak Bears of Kodiak Island, do not really hibernate.

The female Polar Bear does quasi-hibernate, but only for the purpose of giving birth. When compared with female bears of other species, she spends a much shorter time period within her den. The female Polar Bear normally gives birth when winter is at its peak. Her total time spent in the den is usually no more than four and a half months. In the Southern part of the Polar Bear's range, around Hudson and James Bay, they are forced onto the mainland when the sea ice melts. During this time they fast and are quite lethargic.

Male and female Polar Bears have been observed "denning" in the summer months but this is presumably to escape biting insects and hot weather.  Other bear species hibernate because when winter sets in, their food sources are cut off.  This is not the case with the Polar Bear because their diet consists mainly of seals which are prolific in the Hudson Bay region year round. As a result, hibernation is unnecessary.

In late summer and early autumn, Polar Bears frequent the coastal areas of Hudson and James Bay searching for the carcasses of Whales and Walrus and any other carrion that may be available. During this transitional period between summer and winter, their diet consists of a broader range of foods such as Arctic Fox, Lemmings, various duck species, Ptarmigan and unfortunately, around human habitation you can often find them at the local garbage dump.

Like other bear species though, Polar Bears also consume vegetation when it is available in the warmer months of the year.