Churchill, Canada (07:34)

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Every bear season, thousands of tourists travel to Churchill to see polar bears on their migration route. Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan arrives at the start of the season. A local explains the nature of living so close to the bears.

Polar Bear Tourism (03:44)

Visitors can go on tours through a nature reserve just outside Churchill. Tundra buggies are buses placed on large off-road tires. A tour guide shares his experience of working with tourists.

Living with Polar Bears (07:42)

Gypsy's Cafe is a popular restaurant for locals and tourists. Residents of Churchill are cautious about walking around at night. One resident says humans are the problem; people built the town on the bears' migration path.

Bear Attack (04:48)

A Churchill resident recounts the night she was attacked by a polar bear. A man ran outside to rescue her and the bear was put down by conservation officers.

Fasting Period (06:05)

Polar bears have not eaten for months when they arrive in Churchill. They have a strong sense of smell, so trash is collected daily to avoid attracting bears. The town's trash is stored inside a bear-proof facility.

Polar Bear Release (05:28)

The Polar Bear Holding Facility prepares to release a bear back into the tundra. The bear is sedated and transported by helicopter further along the migration route.

Climate Change (08:26)

With warmer temperatures, the polar bears’ habitat has decreased in size and they must wait longer for sea ice; the bears have less time to hunt. A local explains how climate change has affected residents and tourists.

Bear Encounter (05:57)

Polar bears can run up to 20 miles an hour. A young male bear gets close to Buchanan's car.

Credits: Operation Arctic: Episode 4 (00:42)

Credits: Operation Arctic: Episode 4