Photos: a polar bear delights in somersaulting in the snow in Wapusk National Park
Posted by kluciole at 11/27/2009 6:51 PM 
Categories: Animal Rights,Science,International,Environment,Humor,news,Photography
Categories: Animal Rights,Science,International,Environment,Humor,news,Photography
A polar bear gets into his stride in Wapusk National Park in Canada as he starts a roly-poly in the snow...
Roly poly polar bear: The giant ball of fluff showing off his somersaults in the snow
26th November 2009
Hamming it up for the camera, this athletic polar bear took a child-like pleasure in performing a series of roly-polys through the snow.
The fluffy white bear almost seemed to be putting on the display on purpose, as he rolled head over heels - then looked directly at the camera as if waiting for applause.
Photographer David C. Schultz snapped the cub at Wapusk National Park, on the Hudson Bay near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, in temperatures as low as -42c and wind speeds of 70 mph.
The bear buried himself in the pristine white snow before repeating his routine four more times and diving head first into the powder.
Delighted David found the polar bears as they congregated along the shores of the Hudson Bay waiting for the November freeze.
From here they head out to hunt ring seal.
David said: 'The high winds from the previous days had piled up snow drifts against an area of willows and it was here that we spotted this young bear.
... but his head sinks down as he lifts his legs in the air...
'We stopped and watched it for about an hour as he just lay in the snow, enjoying the cold temperatures. As if on cue, he decided to liven things up a bit. He bent over, sticking his face in the snow, then continued to flip over, pausing for just a moment to look at us before sliding down on its back into a shallow hole created by the drifting snow. He raised his head, again, looking directly at us, but now his face was completely covered with snow.' He added: 'I thought that was great and the end of the performance but I guess the bear wanted to make certain he had been properly captured.
... and he's up for air after making the complete turn
'He climbed out of the hole and began his gymnastics routine four more times. It was hilarious to watch this beautiful animal, which could and would kill you in a heartbeat given the chance, playing in the snow like a little child. He even looked back at us each time to see if we were watching, just as a child might with a parent. Eventually, perhaps becoming bored with the somersault routine, or us, he turned and started to walk away. As we watched, the bear paused for a moment, cocking its head apparently listening, and then suddenly it leapt into the air diving face first into the fine powdery snow.'
Article: HERE
Photographer's comment on article:
Article: HERE
Photographer's comment on article:
A wonderful organization for information on polar bears is, "Polar Bears International" and they have a great website. Video of my trip and additional images of the bears are posted on my site as well. West Light Images
Cheers! David
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