First fatal polar bear attack in Western Hudson Bay since 1983 yesterday in Arviat

Reblogged with sadness.

polarbearscience

A brave young father from Arviat on the northwest coast of Hudson Bay was killed yesterday evening by a polar bear while trying to protect his children.

Aaron Gibbons, 31, was the nephew of Gordy Kidlapik, who follows this blog and my twitter account. Gordy has often sent me useful local information and perspectives from Arviat, which is in Nunavut (north of Churchill, Manitoba).

It was heartbreaking to hear this news firsthand from Gordy:

My qangiaq died a hero today. The bear surprised him and his children, so he put himself between them and the bear to let them escape. The bear had no fear @churchillwild

— Gordy Kidlapik (@Irngutaq) July 4, 2018

More below and to follow as further details emerge. My sincere condolences to Gordy and his family – what a horrific loss.

Bob Weber, from The Canadian Press, wrote today (4 July 2018…

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