A mom and her son tragically passed away after falling victim to the first Polar Bear attack in 30 years.
In a remote and tight-knit community of Wales, Alaska, a chilling event has unfolded that resonates far beyond its icy shores.
A fatal polar bear attack, the first in the region in three decades, leaves a community both shattered and shocked. At the same time, it raises urgent questions about the complex interplay between climate change, wildlife behavior, and human safety.
This article delves into the harrowing details of the attack and the underlying environmental factors that may have contributed to this unprecedented tragedy. As the Arctic undergoes rapid transformation, the incident in Wales serves as a stark reminder of the unforeseen consequences that can arise.
This rare event underlines the importance of understanding and preparing for wildlife encounters in a changing world.
Key Points
- Wales, Alaska, witnessed the first fatal polar bear attack in 30 years
- The community only consists of 150 people, mostly indigenous Inupiat.
- Victims were a 24-year-old mother and her one-year-old son, ambushed while walking 150 feet in a snowstorm.
- Community members, including school staff, attempted to intervene with shovels; an armed person eventually killed the bear.
- The bear’s poor condition and climate change effects, like loss of sea ice, may have contributed to the attack.
The Community Where It Happened
Wales, Alaska, is a small whaling community that became the tragic scene of the first fatal polar bear attack in 30 years in the area. Located just 50 miles from Russia across the Bering Strait, this westernmost point on the North American mainland is only accessible by plane, boat, and snowmobile in winter.
It’s an extremely small and tight-knit community with a population of no more than 150 people. Most people are indigenous Alaskans, Inupiat people.
The Kingikmiut School, where the attack occurred, serves as a community center, offering a view of the endless expanse of frozen snow and ice.
The First Polar Bear Attack In 30 Years: The Catastrophe
©Chrissy Friberg via AP, File
A tragic polar bear attack claimed the lives of 24-year-old Summer Myomick and her one-year-old son, Clyde Ongtowasruk.
On a snowy day, the mother and child were walking from the Kingikmiut School to a nearby health clinic, just 150 feet away, when they were ambushed by a polar bear. The heavy snowstorm obscured their vision, preventing them from seeing the approaching danger.
As the attack unfolded, school staff and community members attempted to intervene, using shovels to scare the bear away, but the bear turned on them. The mauling only stopped when an armed community member arrived and killed the bear.
The incident marked the first fatal polar bear attack in Alaska in 30 years. Experts believe the bear’s poor physical condition and possible effects of climate change, such as loss of sea ice and access to prey, may have contributed to the attack.
The event has left the community in shock and mourning, highlighting the complex relationship between human settlements, wildlife, and the changing environment in the Arctic region.
Read about a bear attack in Arizona here.
Attempts To Intervene
The community’s response was immediate but tragically insufficient. Several employees and community members left the safety of the school building, attempting to scare the bear away with shovels. But each and every time, the bear turned on them, forcing them to retreat.
During one attempt to distract the Polar Bear, it followed and chased Principal Dawn Hendrickson back to the school. Luckily Hendrickson’s proved his quick thinking and slammed the door in the face of the charging bear, possibly saving numerous lives.
With no law enforcement in Wales, a call for help led to the arrival of an armed community member who killed the bear.
A Consequence of Climate Change?
Climate change is increasingly affecting the Arctic region, leading to significant shifts in the behavior and habitat of polar bears. The tragic polar bear attack in Wales, Alaska, may be indicative of these broader environmental changes.
As sea ice melts, polar bears lose their primary hunting grounds, where they typically prey on seals. This loss of habitat forces them to move inland in search of food, increasing the likelihood of encounters with human settlements.
In the case of the Wales attack, the bear was found to be in poor physical condition, possibly elderly, and likely struggling to find food. Experts have noted that nutritionally stressed adult male polar bears are more likely to pose threats to human safety. The bear’s aggressive behavior could have been a desperate attempt to find sustenance.
Furthermore, the extended open-water season due to increased melting is leading to more bears spending longer periods on land. This significantly elevates the risk of human-bear interactions. Likewise, it reflects the broader impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem.
Orcas might also be affected by climate change more than we thought.
Scray Facts About How Climate Change Is Affecting Polar Bears
- Loss of Sea Ice Habitat: According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, the Arctic sea ice extent has declined by about 13% per decade since 1979.
- Starvation and Malnutrition: A study published in “Science” (2018) found that polar bears need to consume 60% more energy than previously thought.
- Threat to Reproduction: In Svalbard, Norway, rain-on-snow events led to a 70% mortality rate for cubs in dens during the winter of 1990-2000.
What To Do In the Case of a Bear Attack
Although this is was the first polar bear attack in the area of 30 years, it’s still advisable to remain prepared.
Additionally, with climate change having increasingly devastating and fast-moving effects, polar bear attacks might become more frequent. The more their natural habitat deteriorates, the higher the chance is of them encroaching on areas of human settlements.
- Carry Bear Spray: Always carry bear spray when in polar bear territory. It can deter a bear if sprayed directly into its face.
- Avoid Eye Contact: Polar bears may interpret direct eye contact as a threat. Look away and speak in a firm, calm voice.
- Stand Your Ground: If charged, stand your ground and make yourself appear larger by waving your arms. Running may provoke a chase.
- Use Noisemakers: Loud noises can sometimes scare the bear away. Use whistles, air horns, or even shout loudly.
- Play Dead Only as a Last Resort: If physical contact is made, fall to the ground, cover your head, and play dead. Protect your neck and stomach.
- Report the Incident: Once safe, report the encounter to local authorities so they can manage the bear and prevent future incidents.
Remember, the best strategy is prevention. Be aware of your surroundings, travel in groups, and make noise to alert bears to your presence, giving them a chance to avoid you.
The First Polar Bear Attack in 30 Years: Wrapping Up
The first polar bear attack in Alaska in 30 years serves as a somber reminder of the delicate balance between humans, wildlife, and the environment. As climate change continues to reshape the Arctic landscape, the risks and challenges faced by remote communities like Wales are magnified.
The loss of a young mother and her child underscores the urgency of understanding and adapting to these changes. It calls for increased awareness, preparedness, and collaboration to ensure the safety of those living in proximity to these majestic but potentially dangerous creatures.
However, it’s more than just a local tragedy. It’s a clear warning of global warming and its effects, highlighting the interconnectedness of our world.
Thank you for reading this article about the first polar bear attack in 30 years! Here are some other mind-blowing animal encounters:
What is a Polar Bear?
A polar bear is a large carnivorous bear native to the Arctic region, known for its distinctive white fur, which helps it blend into its icy environment.
What Do Polar Bears Eat?
Polar bears primarily hunt seals, relying on sea ice to access their prey. They are powerful swimmers and can travel long distances in search of food.
How Do Polar Bears Adapt to Cold Environments?
Polar bears have thick fur, a layer of blubber up to 4.5 inches thick, and black skin underneath to absorb and retain heat. Their paws are also adapted for walking on ice and swimming.
How Long Do Polar Bears Live?
In the wild, polar bears typically live 15-18 years, though some can reach their early 30s. In captivity, they can live even longer due to regular food supply and medical care.
What Are the Major Threats to Polar Bears?
The biggest threat to polar bears is climate change, which is melting their sea ice habitat. Other threats include pollution, oil and gas development, and conflicts with humans. Conservation efforts are crucial to their survival.
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John
Friday 4th of August 2023
I thought polar bears are supposed to be extinct by now because of climate change, and all the ice is gone. Why was there a snow storm obscuring visibility during this ‘global warming’? Why can’t this just be a tragic attack by an apex predator? Polar bears are efficient hunters and this is their life. Let’s report the news and not political agendas and let a tragic event be what it is