Young Polar bears play in the Kaktovik lagoon on a foggy day.
Hanging at the Bone Pile!
Yearling polar bear at the bone pile. The Inupiat Alaskans caught 3 Bowhead whales in 2017. The whales are part of the Inupiat culture. After butchering the whales and dividing the catch with the town people, the scraps are placed at the bone pile. Polar bears come from 100's of miles each year to feast at the bone pile.
Its an acquired taste......
A yearling Polar bear cub digs into a piece of Muktuk - Whale skin with blubber attached. In the background is the "Bone Pile". Native Alaskans - Inupiats, are allowed to catch 1-3 whales per year which feeds the entire village of Kaktovik. The scraps are placed on a piece of land called a spit that separates the lagoon from the Beaufort Sea. An estimated 500-600 photographers come to Kaktovik to photograph the polar bears each year.
A pensive polar bear contemplates dinner....
Male Polar Bear - Kaktovik, Alaska
Polar bears are mostly left handed. So if you are about to be smacked by a polar bear, its best to be on his right side. Look at the size of his left paw!
That blubber sure looks good!
Muktuk for two?
Why do I get the feeling something is behind me?
Purple Rain
Female Polar bear contemplates a swim across the Kaktovik Lagoon to reach the Bone Pile
Two polar bear cubs have fun at the Bernard Spit on the Kaktovik Lagoon.
Now I pray that the government stops shooting me with dart guns and pulling out my teeth and then conveniently blames the photographers for "disturbing the wildlife"!
Current year cubs taking a moments rest.
Two polar bear cubs play with a piece of mukluk in the Kaktovik Lagoon.
Yearling cubs playing at the beach. Polar bears are very playful and reminded me of dogs.
These guys are so happy!
Playing with kelp on the beach
Having a loving moment - Mom and baby....
A beautiful moment...
