Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Clyde River (Aug 27/01) - An American tourist mauled by a polar bear 80 kilometres outside Clyde River earlier this month knew of the potential wildlife dangers.

Stephen Pinksen, wildlife enforcement officer for the Department of Sustainable Development, said an outfitter told the lone kayaker of recent bear sightings.

Undeterred, the tourist set out with his kayak.

"He was provided with some safety equipment (a radio and firearm). He didn't really want to take it, but they made him," Pinksen said.

The gear may have saved the man's life. After the bear swatted him through his tent on Aug. 14, he radioed for help. A boat arrived the next day.

This is the second reported polar bear attack on Baffin Island this summer.

On July 27, two Quebec canoeists camping near Soper Falls in Katannilik Park suffered major flesh wounds after a bear attacked them in their tent.

In the case of the Clyde River kayaker, the man received treatment for minor scratches and bruises at the community's health centre.

"The bear lost interest in him when he poked it with a stick," Pinksen said.

Clyde River is known as bear territory, Pinksen said. Incidents -- not injuries -- between bears and hunters are not uncommon.

Pinksen said a polar bear advisory will not be issued. Nor will the bear be sought.

"Bears attacking people are considered problem bears for sure, except there are so many bears up there finding that one would be nearly impossible," Pinksen said.

"Issuing an advisory is a moot point."

Contrary to a News/North report last week, Pinksen did not go to Clyde River to investigate the incident. Instead, a Clyde River wildlife officer handled the case and filed it with Pinksen.