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Polar bear injures skier in Auyuittuq National Park

Snowmobile used to transport individual to receive care when poor visibility prevented a helicopter from landing
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Parks Canada staff evacuated an injured skier by snowmobile from Nunavut's Auyuittuq National Park following a polar bear attack on the morning of April 24, according to Parks Canada. Tim Bowman/USFWS photo

A polar bear injured a skier near Summit Lake in Nunavut's Auyuittuq National Park and poor visibility prevented a rescue helicopter from reaching the area, according to Parks Canada. 

Staff with the federal agency were forced to transport the injured person, along with four others, to Pangnirtung by snowmobile on April 24. 

Margaret Friesen, external relations manager for Parks Canada's Nunavut Field Unit, said later in the day that the matter is considered "resolved."  She did not answer a question in regards to the condition of the injured party, just noting that the individual was receiving treatment at the Pangnirtung Health Centre.

The incident occurred during the early morning of April 24. Other park visitors were able to assist the injured skier in getting to the Summit Lake emergency shelter, where they awaited support from Parks Canada Staff.  

Friesen pointed out that the visitors were carrying communication devises that allowed them to quickly get in touch with Parks Canada staff.

All visitors to Auyuittuq National Park, which lies north of Pangnirtung and west of Qikiqtarjuaq, attend a mandatory orientation about the unique challenges of the Arctic environment, emphasizing self-reliance and preparation to ensure safe visitation, Friesen stated. 

"Polar bears are a risk throughout Nunavut, and polar bear orientation is delivered to visitors before entering the park. Visitors are permitted to carry bear deterrent kits," Friesen added. 

 

 



 



About the Author: Derek Neary

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