Kimmirut (Aug 04/03) - Tommy Akavak manager of Katannilik Park near Kimmirut relies on the wisdom of elders to understand the ways of polar bears.

"According to the elders, the type of pack ice we have is the main reason we have bears close to the community," Akavak said.

When the elders saw that pack ice this year, they knew there would be at least one bear sighting.

And they were right.

But tracks spotted in Katannilik last week were not fresh, officials say, and there is no reason to avoid visiting Katannilik Park.

"The intent is not to scare people away from the park," David Monteith, territorial park director, said after the department of sustainable development issued a news advisory about the presence of bears. "That's the last thing the community wants to do."

A group touring the park near Mount Fleming last week saw polar bear tracks and reported them to park officials who later determined they were "old" said Monteith.

However, since two hikers from Quebec were attacked in Kimmirut two years ago in late July, park officials in that area have been "extra vigilant" Monteith said. The 31-year old man, and his 25-year old girlfriend attacked in that incident two years ago suffered serious claw wounds, but survived after being treated at Baffin Regional Hospital.

Bear advisories are put on the radio now, and visitors to Katannilik Park are informed about possible bear sightings when they register.

And because most of the pack ice has gone, the bears are also gone, Akavak said.

Consulting with elders about polar bears has been a normal practice for the community for years, Akavak said.

"They are the people who know," Akavak said. "I've been out on bear hunts with elders. And they know so much about bears and bear safety."