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Bearly Important Travel NewsBy Madelyn MillerPOLAR BEARS SHOWING UP NEAR ALASKA’S POINT BARROW IN UNUSUALLY HIGH NUMBERS Alaska’s farthest north community of Barrow has been visited by 40 to 50 polar bears in the past few weeks – triple the number that usually can be seen this time of year -- while scientists try to figure out what’s drawing the carnivores to the Arctic Ocean community. Tour groups and residents have been seeing 35 to 50 bears at a time 12 miles north of town instead of the usual five to six. “We see polar bears here, but not everyday and not in this number,” said John Tidwell, owner of Alaskan Arctic Adventures, a local tour company taking advantage of the peak viewing opportunity. Alaskan Arctic Adventures is permitted to drive visitors to the viewing area. Whatever the reasons for the polar bear party, tourists and Alaskans are flocking north. Alaska Airlines flies to Barrow twice daily from Anchorage. Contact: John Tidwell at Alaskan Arctic Adventures, 907-852-3800, or Mark Morones, Alaska Travel Industry Association, 907-646-3311. |
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