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Polar Bear Response to Sea Ice Loss

Cristina!

Wow!! What a beautiful creature! Great pics! How big would you say she was?? And, what was the closest she wandered?? Do they make any "vocalizations" when checking you guys out??

Michele

Sat, 10/24/2009 - 16:30

Cristina Galvan

Hi Michele,It was pretty amazing to see her so close up to the boat. It really made
everyone's day.
I would guess she was about between 300-400 pounds. The researchers give
each bear a rank based on visual ID of their health conditions. They
would have given her a 2.5-3 out of 5. She was actually a bit skinny -
you can tell by her long legs and in some shots her hip bones protrude.
The fatter the bears are the shorter their legs look.
She was quiet - did not vocalize. :(
Thanks,
Cristina

Sat, 10/24/2009 - 18:03

Veronica Neakok

Wow! The pics of the polar bear was great! Did George tell you we call them 'nanuq". We had a few here in town last night, close to shore. Too dark to see them though.
As far as the pic of the talent show...I bet it was the best darn show in the farthest northern region.
Ronnie

Sat, 10/24/2009 - 18:45

Cristina Galvan

Hi Ronnie,Thanks for the comments on the pictures! George didn't mention the name
for the bears - I'll have to check in with him about that :)
Also, glad you enjoyed the talent show pics - it was definitely a way to
pass time while we were grounded due to weather!
I'll let George know you are following along.
Thanks,
Cristina