Uh yeah that is a polar bear in the middle of the Dempster Highway. I didn't take this photo or have this conversation, but I'm sure that is something like how it went. Probably with a couple of choice words added for excitement.A polar bear seems to have found its way down to my neck of the woods. This actually a very rare event. Generally the bears remain up near the coast, but sometimes they venture south and this made it quite a way, almost down to Fort McPherson. The wildlife officers made the decision to trap it and take it back to the coast so that no problems arose with cabins etc. I'm not exactly sure why the decision was made, because other than a few sightings on the Dempster, it didn't break into any camps.
However, because of this decision, I was able to see the bear up close when they brought it to the helipad at forestry. When it got here, the bear was tranquilized and they took measurements and put a radio collar on it. Then a helicopter arrived and the bear was placed in a sling and taken back to the coast. I have pictures of it all...but I'm not allowed to post them. Too bad. If you want to see them when I get back I would be glad to show people.
So yesterday was a momentous day. I officially became an NWT resident due to me spending 3 continuous months residing in the territory. There was cake. Actually there wasn't, but I think I could get a health card if I so wished. I probably won't, but the option is there. I realize that I will have completed about 6 months of time in the field during the course of my MSc. I think that's a pretty good chunk of time. Hopefully it pays off with a) a good thesis project and b) possible employment down the road.
Busy week. Heading to Tsiighetchic tomorrow and Ft. McPherson on Thursday. Perhaps some wakeboarding this weekend.
Congrats to those who played at Nats this weekend. Seems like some enjoyed a very successful weekend. Can't wait to play some ultimate in September.
2 comments:
Yikes... what does that say about NWT that if you can manage to stay 3 straight months, they consider you a resident? I guess so many of the people you see in the territory are in and out of there for short-term work.
Interested in hearing more about this bear.
We had a large bison saunter across the road right in front of our car in Yellowstone Park. A part of me wanted to throw a rock or a stick or something at it and see if it would get angry and demolish our car. Another part of me (most of me, really) thought that wasn't a good idea.
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