Wildlife Around Churchill

Climate change is reshaping the Arctic ecosystem in Churchill, Manitoba, with profound impacts on a variety of species. Arctic hares, Arctic foxes, and ptarmigans, which have long relied on seasonal color changes to blend into their surroundings, take their cues from daylight rather than temperature. But as winters arrive later and snow cover becomes increasingly unpredictable, these animals are left mismatched against their environment, losing the camouflage that once kept them safe from predators. At the same time, red foxes—better suited to warmer conditions—are pushing farther north, competing with Arctic foxes for food and denning sites and putting additional pressure on an already vulnerable species. In Hudson Bay, beluga whales are facing new challenges as shrinking sea ice alters their migration routes and strips away the natural barriers that once offered protection from orcas, which are now appearing in Arctic waters more frequently. While polar bears often dominate discussions about climate change in the North, they are far from the only species at risk. The rapid shifts in this fragile ecosystem serve as a stark reminder that urgent action is needed to protect Arctic wildlife for generations to come.