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The fatal polar bear attack in western Alaska in January is an anomaly. There hasn’t been one in the state for more than 30 years. Alaska Natives have always coexisted with the large predator, but polar bears are in a fight for survival as climate change robs them of the sea ice that serves as their primary hunting habitat. Today on Native America Calling, we explore what living in the proximity of polar bears is like and what the trends are for their immediate future with whaling captain Herman Ahsoak (Inupiaq); Kiliii Yuyan (Nanai/Hèzhé and Chinese), National Geographic photographer; Mary Patkotak (Inupiaq); and Allison Warden (Inupiaq).
Break 1 music: Cauyaqa Nauwa (Where’s My Drum) (song) Pamyua (artist) Drums of The North: Traditional Yup’ik Songs (album)
Break 2 music: Kakiyaw Iyisinowak (All the People) (song) Young Spirit (artist) Akameyimoh Baby Boy (album)
