For 1 week I was privileged to look for, watch and observe the characteristic behavior of this population inhabiting the northern region of alaska touching the arctic ocean and bordering canada. i observed bears, cubs, twins, all feeding off the local whale bone pile harpooned and brought in by the local inhabitants. i watched them swimming, playing, fighting, nursing and embracing. their behaviors appeared human in some respects. their return yearly to the same place spurred on by their memory was an amazement. the articles written about them in the NY times and problems a drilling impasse could impose on their future causes great concern and brings home the strong message of global warming within a much deeper context.
