| Grizzly Bears in Manitoba | 05 March 09 |
 Grizzly bears, officially considered extinct in Manitoba, have recently been sighted near Hudson Bay in the province. Sightings have been linked to changing climate and habitat. The provincial government quickly added grizzly bears to the list of species protected from hunting under The Wildlife Act. Provincial biologist Bill Watkins told the Winnipeg Free Press that Manitoba Conservation confirms one to three grizzly-bear sightings every year. Officials say it does not appear grizzlies are breeding inside the province but believe the bears are coming down from Nunavut to look for food. The historic range of the grizzly bear once reached as far southeast as Winnipeg. Wildlife biologists say the bears need protection against hunters to encourage them to reoccupy Manitoba. Gaile Whelan Enns, director of Manitoba Wildlands, said governments around the world will have to adapt as climate change drives species from their usual habitats. "Grizzly bears are probably being pushed southward because of changes in permafrost and the growing unpredictability of winter, food supplies, and possible hibernation changes. These bears are like a climate change canary in the mine shaft," she said. View March 2, 2009 Globe and Mail articleView January 26, 2009 Winnipeg Free Press article View March 2, 2009 Canadian Press article View Hinterland Who's Who on the Grizzly Bear View The Animal House Grizzly Bear videos Sources: Globe and Mail, Winnipeg Free Press, Canadian Press, Manitoba Wildlands |
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