Fall 2008

MEETING NANUK
In person with Ian Stirling

Although it walks around on land, the polar bear is primarily a marine mammal, spending themajority of the year on sea ice where its very survival depends.With the effect of climate warming, however, retreating northern ice cover can prove to be disastrous for the polar bear. Since Canada is home to approximately 60% of the world’s polar bear population, it is of particular concern for Canadians.

Ian Stirling, who is recognized as one of the world’s leading experts on polar bears, has authored a book, Polar Bears. In his book, he recounts adventures that he has experienced over the years including the time he performed artificial respiration on a polar bear for three hours after a bear he had tranquilized stopped breathing.

Please join The Royal Canadian Geographical Society in welcoming Ian Stirling as he describes the natural history of the polar bears, the annual cycle of bears in places like Western Hudson Bay where fasting plays a role, and how climate warming is affecting bears in Hudson Bay and could potentially develop elsewhere.