Scott Babcock. An important historical site in the area is the Birnick archaeological site which contains 16 dwelling mounds of a culture believed to have existed between 500-900 AD. On October 23, ASAMM documented 32 polar bears – mostly mothers with cubs – on Cross Island.“ These bears were fat enough in July to easily survive … They are located at the old "NARL" base. North Slope Borough Offices. Living in Utqiagvik is not for everyone. During some months, it can even be possible to spot polar bears in the area. Utqiagvik Tourism Utqiagvik Hotels Bed and Breakfast Utqiagvik Utqiagvik Holiday Packages Flights to Utqiagvik Utqiagvik Restaurants Utqiagvik Attractions Utqiagvik Travel Forum Utqiagvik Photos Utqiagvik Map Utqiagvik Guide All Utqiagvik Hotels; Utqiagvik Hotel … Answer 1 of 2: Does anyone know if it is possible to see polar bears in June in Barrow? The high temperature is above freezing on an average of only 120 days per year. Polar bears pass a ridge of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean beyond Utqiagvik. The extreme geography means Utqiagvik is subject to 24-hour daylight in the summer months and a magnet for keen explorers. If they can find some scrap lying around, it's easier to pick a scrap up than it is to kill a seal. This would be the main reason for our visit. ANCHORAGE, Alaska --Scott Babcock was wrapping up an early morning runway inspection at America's farthest north airport when he … Our 2021 polar bear tours provide unmatched opportunities to see and photograph Polar Bears in the best Polar Bear viewing area in Alaska as well as experience Northern Lights in one of the best aurora viewing locations in North America.. Utqiagvik. Barrow has a large Eskimo population and is frequently visited by the polar bear. The archaeological findings are considered a key link between the prehistoric cultures of Alaska and Canada. Occurred on January 28, 2020 / Barrow, Alaska, USAInfo from Licensor: "I live in the most Northern City in the Continental US; A small town of 4,500 people called, Barrow (Utqiagvik) Alaska. He made sure to videotape their departure. Polar bears often frequent the area, so it is not advised to hike on the soft cold sand in case of an encounter and to prevent running into a sinkhole and getting stuck. located at the community college north of town. This creates a polar night that lasts until the Sun returns to lightly touch the horizon (due to the refraction and scattering of the atmosphere) by January 22 or January 23. Answer 1 of 6: I saw some other posts that mentioned that polar bear viewing is optimal in Sept/Oct time but I was wondering if anyone had seen any in Barrow in May? Or you can contact the Alaska dept. Utqiagvik was incorporated as a first-class city in 1959. “Well, it’s just another day at the Will Rogers-Wiley Post Memorial Airport,” Babcock says as the bears scamper off. The Kaktovik and Utqiagvik communities offer some polar bear viewing opportunities, though it is recommended to do so with a guide and by ensuring mutual safety for humans and polar bears alike. Polar bears in airport 00:40. Utqiagvik. 8. It is hard to predict this far in advance if there will be polar bears near Barrow in September. The blanket of tundra that stretches south for hundreds of miles is a splendid hunting ground for locals and outlying villages. Utqiagvik Tourism Utqiagvik Hotels Utqiagvik Bed and Breakfast Utqiagvik Packages Flights to Utqiagvik Utqiagvik Restaurants Utqiagvik Attractions Utqiagvik Travel Forum Utqiagvik Photos Utqiagvik Map Utqiagvik Guide All Utqiagvik Hotels; Utqiagvik Hotel Deals; By … This place has wild polar bears roaming throughout the winter months and beached Walrus and seals in the summer. Utqiagvik, Alaska Picture: polar bears area - Check out Tripadvisor members' 807 candid photos and videos. If you want to find out more information about where polar bears and other animals are located, contact the North Slope Boroughs biology dept. Russia might be famous for its bears, but this is ridiculous. Polar bears can be found in Alaska, USA from the northern Alaskan coast as for south as St. Lawrence Island and can go as far as St. Matthew Island and the Kuskokwim Delta. Published: Dec. 14, 2017 at 12:59 PM AKST. The Barrow area is probably the harshest polar location in Alaska. Serious cold weather usually begins in January, and February is usually the coldest month, averaging −14.2 °F. Two polar bears spotted on a runway in Utqiagvik (KTUU) By Sean Maguire. Two young polar bears ran away when they saw the Alaska airport worker’s truck approach. Not having to worry about polar bears would also be a welcome bonus. The road system around Utqiagvik offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities. Utqiagvik. Visitors flock to Kaktovik, Alaska, to see the bears, who are wandering into town because experts say the sea ice they need is disappearing. We have 70 Days of complete darkness in the winter and 24 hour sunlight in the Summer." Two polar bears spotted on the Utqiagvik runway (December 2017) Freezing temperatures and snowfall can occur during any month of the year in Utqiagvik and they often do. Travelers can set off on their own or take a guided tour of the area to look out for the many animals that call the Far North home. (Washington Post photo by Bonnie Jo Mount) (Washington Post photo by Bonnie Jo Mount) Share on Facebook Not to many people seem to be discussing the bears, hence my post? If blood pressure is any guide, then my time in the Arctic must be good for me because it is lower while here than at any other time during the year. “They ask about how it’s affecting a lot of the animals: seals, bowhead of course is a big one, polar bears, caribou,” he said. Barrow (Utqiagvik) is the northernmost city in Alaska. Safely view and photograph polar bears, in a rare and special wildlife encounter. Polar bears are federally protected, but there’s an exception when a bear is killed in self-defense. Answer 1 of 6: I saw some other posts that mentioned that polar bear viewing is optimal in Sept/Oct time but I was wondering if anyone had seen any in Barrow in May? For those who have been there for generations, things such as the cold, extraordinary amounts of snow, ice, polar bears (yes, they wander into town! Utqiagvik. Answer 1 of 6: Can anybody tell me what time of the year would be the best for possibly seeing polar bears? Answered: Ok, My son and myself are staying overnight in Barrow, I got a tour guide, and since Pepe's burnt down, is there any one else that does this now? Utqiagvik is not connected by road to the rest of Alaska, even though it is the economic center of the North Slope Borough. Utqiagvik Tourism Utqiagvik Accommodation Utqiagvik Bed and Breakfast Utqiagvik Holiday Rentals Utqiagvik Holiday Packages Utqiagvik Flights Utqiagvik Restaurants Utqiagvik Attractions Utqiagvik Travel Forum Utqiagvik Photos Utqiagvik Map Utqiagvik Guide All Utqiagvik … Let us help you customize your trip with our fully-independent vacation packages . Discover Alaska Like Never Before. Barrow (Utqiagvik) Alaska is 340 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the largest municipal government in the world, and the nation’s farthest northern community. Answer 1 of 9: Hi, My girlfriend and I are planning to visit Barrow on Sep 3 (arriving at 11am and leaving at 8:15pm). U.S. [Naval Arctic Research Labratory}. The sun then rises again completely over the horizon by January 27 or 28. A group of hunters were hunting for seals at a lead west of the northern town when the bears approached from the south and cautiously walked around the group. We'll be there June 14. Polar bears don’t tolerate temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit because of their thick coats and metabolisms, so they prefer to stay near cold ocean waters and ice. He also brings in area scientists to answer student questions. More than 4,000 people live here and survive largely by hunting whales, seals, polar bears, walrus, waterfowl, caribou, and catching fish from the Arctic Ocean or nearby rivers and lakes. This video is from March 29, 2018, taken about a mile offshore of Utqiagvik. When to come. There is hard science that proves my meditation is a vital component of this health benefit, and for this - my heart and my loved ones are grateful. ), and months of darkness are nothing more than a minor facet of life. The bears may come on shore if the pack ice is close enough and there has been a whale butchered. I saw polar bears and occasionally walrus on my trips down there. Two polar bears have been spotted on a runway in Utqiagvik around 6:30 Thursday morning. Throughout the remainder of the 2019 field season, ASAMM continued to see high numbers of polar bears along the western Beaufort Sea coast on several occasions. It really depends on ice conditions and whether the whaling crews have had a successful fall hunt. 2021 Polar Bear Tours — Alaska Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tour. Also, can a "stupid clown" that does this get a T-shirt saying he did this. But it is just as good to drive to end of the proper drivable road and enjoy the remote scenery and bizarre atmosphere. Utqiagvik. Born and raised in Utqiagvik, Alaska, Michael Thomas is the field operations manager and a polar bear guard for UIC Commercial Services, an Alaska Native Corporation that provides support for local construction, shipping, and research. In 2019, ASAMM documented 20 polar bears on Cross Island by late July. A staff member with the Department of Transportation who spotted them says, "it's all in a day's work." Viewing polar bears in the wild is one of the most unique experiences in the world. He specializes in protecting scientists from bears and from the extreme environment. Take a walk on the wild side and see polar bears in their natural habitat. Answer 1 of 6: Can anybody tell me what time of the year would be the best for possibly seeing polar bears? Answer 1 of 6: Is it worth the time & $$$'s to head up to Barrow to see the Polar Bears. 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