In northern Manitoba, Canada, the town of Churchill sits along the shore of Hudson Bay, just south of the Arctic Circle. The town has become world-famous for an abundance of polar bears, especially during the months of October and November. Carlos Osorio, a photographer with Reuters, has spent the past week in Churchill, taking photos of the bears, the town, and the frigid landscape, at a time of year when daylight only lasts about seven hours.
A Visit to Churchill, Manitoba, During Polar-Bear Season
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![A polar bear rests in snow, its head lying on its front paws.]()
Read moreA polar bear rests after sparring with another bear near the Hudson Bay community of Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, on November 20, 2021. #
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![A polar-bear-crossing sign reflects light in a snowstorm at night.]()
Read moreA polar-bear-crossing sign is illuminated by a vehicle on a road during a blizzard in Churchill on November 21, 2021. #
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![Snow drifts around a parked pickup truck outside a building.]()
Read moreSnow drifts around a truck during a blizzard in Churchill on November 21, 2021. #
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![A polar bear walks in a snowy field near small trees.]()
Read moreA polar bear seeks shelter from a looming storm near Churchill on November 20, 2021. #
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![Two polar bears wrestle.]()
Read morePolar bears spar near Churchill on November 20, 2021. #
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![A single windblown white spruce tree stands in a snowy field.]()
Read moreA windblown white spruce tree stands in an open area near Churchill on November 20, 2021. #
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![An apartment building, surrounded by snow, seen during a snowstorm.]()
Read moreA view of the Kelsey Seal Apartments during a blizzard in Churchill, on November 21, 2021 #
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![A person holds a starter pistol while standing on a snowy road.]()
Read moreSimon Barbour loads his starter pistol, used to scare off bears, on November 21, 2021. #
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![A three-story building has a mural of a polar bear painted on it.]()
Read moreA mural of a polar bear is seen on a building in Churchill on November 20, 2021. #
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![A person rides a snowmobile on a road during a snowstorm.]()
Read moreSimon Barbour rides his snowmobile during a blizzard, through the streets of Churchill, on November 21, 2021. #
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![Two people walk on a path in a snow-covered plain at sunset.]()
Read moreTwo people take in the sunset where the Churchill River flows into the Hudson Bay on November 19, 2021. #
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![Snow falls over a residential area at night.]()
Read moreSnow falls along Kelsey Boulevard in Churchill on November 19, 2021. #
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![Several large rocks are seen deliberately piled to form a landmark.]()
Read moreAn inukshuk is pictured at night on the shores of Hudson Bay in Churchill on November 21, 2021. #
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![Town lights illuminate the night sky above Churchill.]()
Read moreA rotating beacon from Churchill Airport illuminates the night sky during a blizzard over Churchill on November 21, 2021. #
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![A polar-bear statue stands on a large rock, with a sign behind it reading "Manitoba"]()
Read moreA polar-bear statue is pictured during a blizzard in Churchill on November 21, 2021. #
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![Several large cylinders mounted on trailers are seen in a parking area. The devices are cages, with rigging to open a front gate.]()
Read morePolar-bear traps sit at the polar-bear jail, used to hold bears who get too close to town, seen on November 20, 2021. The bears are later released when the water freezes on Hudson Bay. #
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![A broad one-story building is seen with a large mural of a polar bear painted on its wall.]()
Read moreThe polar-bear jail, photographed in Churchill on November 20, 2021. #
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![A small sign standing near an open area outside reads "Stop, don't walk in this area. Report bear sightings."]()
Read moreA caution sign stands in Churchill on November 21, 2021. #
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![Several people work to free a car stuck in deep snow.]()
Read moreTwo tourists from France try to help a man whose vehicle is stuck in the snow on November 21, 2021. #
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![A sled dog sits atop a box during a snowfall.]()
Read moreA sled dog sits atop a box in Churchill on November 20, 2021. #
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![Two people dressed in cold-weather clothing run on a road, followed closely by a car, during a snowstorm.]()
Read moreRunners participate in the Polar Bear Marathon, followed by a vehicle used to watch for polar bears, in Churchill, on November 20, 2021. #
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![A person dressed as a polar bear gestures in a road near a parked van.]()
Read moreA person dressed as a polar bear waits at the finish line of the Polar Bear Marathon on November 20, 2021. #
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![A view of the town of Churchill, many smaller buildings, outbuildings, and power poles.]()
Read moreA view of the town of Churchill, Manitoba, on November 20, 2021. #
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![A polar bear rolls in snow.]()
Read moreA polar bear rolls in snow after sparring with another bear near Churchill on November 20, 2021. #
Carlos Osorio / Reuters
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