Bears of the NWT

---

Three kinds of bears live in the NWT: black bears (Ursus americanus), grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis), and polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Bears, like all wildlife resources, are not only an important part of our northern ecosystems, they are also an essential part of the cultural and economic well-being of northern residents. As long as people and bears occupy the same land, there will be unplanned encounters as bears are usually curious and in search of food.

The Safety in Grizzly and Black Bear Country booklet contains information about basic precautions and safety tips to keep in mind while you are in bear country.

The Polar Bear Administrative Committee (PBAC) is comprised of federal government representatives and representatives from Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Nunavut, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. The PBAC provides a forum for the collaborative management of polar bear populations to ensure  Canada fulfils all obligations for polar bear conservation, including obligations under the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears and Their Habitat. 

Remember to Be Bear Aware!