Polar Bear Conservation in the Canadian Arctic
The polar bear is one of the Canadian Arctic’s apex predators. In Inuktitut, they are known as nanuq. Around 16,000 live on the sea ice that spans roughly two million square kilometers across Nunavut, with subpopulations ranging through the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, Quebec, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario.
Canada is home to two-thirds of the world’s polar bear population, which places a significant responsibility on the country to help protect this species as temperatures rise.
Supporting Conservation Through the Arctic Species Conservation Fund
WWF-Canada is the only international NGO with a permanent office in Nunavut. Part of its conservation work includes the Arctic Species Conservation Fund (ASCF), which has supported more than 100 stewardship and research projects since 2016.
These projects have included mapping denning habitats, updating subpopulation estimates, and reducing human-wildlife conflict when polar bears wander into local communities.
One example of this conflict is in Whale Cove, a hamlet of nearly 500 people on the upper west coast of Hudson Bay in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut.
More polar bears have been entering the community because the sea ice takes longer to freeze, and Whale Cove lies along their migration route.
Community Patrols and Inuit-Led Monitoring
To make coexistence safer for both polar bears and residents, WWF-Canada has used the ASCF to support a monitoring and patrol program since 2019. The program is led by the Issatik Hunters and Trappers Organization.
During peak season, pairs of patrollers travel by ATV and snowmobile to deter polar bears and help protect the community.
In the past year, they have also started using SKIU, a mobile app created by and for Inuit, to share wildlife sightings, report sea-ice conditions, and track the movement of polar bears or other animals that could attract them.
WWF-Canada is also supporting work that shares traditional knowledge, known as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ). IQ reflects how Inuit have always passed down knowledge on how to live alongside wildlife and nature in a respectful and sustainable way.
One way the ASCF is helping strengthen the use of IQ is by funding the documentary series *Nanuk Narratives*. The series explores how IQ can be made more accessible for long-term stewardship and sustainable harvesting of polar bears.
The ASCF is also supporting efforts to integrate IQ into scientific population surveys. To achieve stronger results, the ASCF has collaborated with the Government of Nunavut and Integrated Ecological Research to design a more holistic approach to survey work.
Combining Traditional Knowledge and Science Across the Arctic
In the Eeyou Marine Region of James Bay, WWF-Canada is supporting a community-led study that brings together traditional and scientific knowledge to learn more about polar bears in their habitat.
This project involves working with local Cree governments and community members to use hair snares and camera traps to gather data on southern polar bear populations. The team is also developing non-invasive methods that better address concerns raised by Indigenous communities.
The Arctic Species Conservation Fund supports stewardship and research initiatives that protect wildlife and habitats in the Canadian Arctic. WWF-Canada relies on partnerships with Indigenous organizations and local knowledge to advocate for conservation policies and legislation.
Since its launch in 2016, the ASCF has supported more than 80 conservation projects across the region. You can support WWF-Canada’s efforts to create a safer future for both people and wildlife by donating at https://wwf.ca/donate/.
Photo Credit: Photo by Pixabay
About the Writer: Abirame Shanthakumar is a volunteer writer with CharityAxess who is passionate about animal welfare, environmental issues, and global development. She has written on topics such as engineering, sustainability, and poverty alleviation, using her writing to highlight the role of charities in driving positive change. In her spare time, Abirame enjoys reading, writing fiction, and spending time outdoors with a good cup of coffee in hand. Her work with CharityAxess reflects her strong belief in advocacy, compassion, and storytelling for impact.
