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Ecosystem Study of the Chukchi Shoal

Deanna, did you see that Polar Bear!? What a great photo! I'm curious to know the story now...

Thu, 08/16/2012 - 12:43

Deanna Wheeler

Hello-I did see a polar bear! It was yesterday, Wednesday, around 3 pm when we heard over the pipes that a polar bear was spotted 100 yards off of the starboard side. Everything stopped and we all rushed to see the bear. I was on the back (aft) deck and snapped a few photos before running up towards the bow. The bear looked up and started running around a big chunk of snow/ice, jumped into the water, climbed back out and ran towards the bow until she (it was a female) was scared into the water when there was a practice drill for the Coast Guard announced--loud noises, announcements, and running for the drill of a an oil leak and fire.
I hope to see some more as this was my first polar bear in the wild.
Thanks for asking-
Deanna