Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Resolute (Nov 05/01) - Encroaching polar bears have finally returned to the sea ice after weeks of unseasonably warm temperatures drew them to town.

Six bears, many mothers with cubs, routinely wandered into the community throughout September and October.

"They were continually coming in, day and night, (looking for food)," said Tabitha Mullin, wildlife officer for the department of sustainable development.

No one was injured, although at least two bears were shot, including one that repeatedly rummaged through seal meat stored for dog teams.

Further from town, a dog died from wounds received while fighting a bear for seal meat.

Mullin blames the bears' presence on weather.

"The ocean had not frozen up when it normally does. Even though the bay right here was frozen, it wasn't quite safe enough for travel, even for humans," Mullin.

Bear patrols carried out by Mullin, Hunters and Trappers Association members and the RCMP kept the community safe.

Advisories were issued on the local radio. "We advised parents not to have their children out at a certain time, when the bears were coming in," said Mullin, a longtime Resolute resident.

Still, this is bear season and conflict was inevitable.

"Four bears were harvested. Two were regular kills," Mullin said. "They've always come close to town but not that many and not that close to town."

Mullin said the situation is now under control.

"They seemed to have moved on. Most of the ice is frozen to the island 10 miles away," she said.

"A lot of people go out to the floe edge daily and still see bears wandering around. They are not too far yet."