The eastern Beaufort Sea has substantial populations of polar bears (Ursus maritimus), ringed seals (Phoca hispida), bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), and arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus). Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) and walrus (odobenus rosmarus) are seen occasionally. Polar bears, seals, and arctic foxes will be discussed together, rather than as single species, because they are so closely interrelated ecologically. This will provide an understanding of why the patterns of distribution and abundance in the eastern Beaufort Sea exist.

Ecological Relationships

The factor that has the greatest influence on the distribution of polar bears and seals in the eastern Beaufort Sea is the distribution and type of sea ice. The distribution of polar bears appears to be influenced most by the distribution of seals.

Movement and Distribution

Polar bears in the eastern Beaufort Sea undertake long spring and fall movements every year because of the large-scale seasonal changes in the distribution of sea ice in that area.

Ringed and bearded seals are pelagic during the open water period, periodically hauling out to bask on ice floes but only rarely on land. Although there are probably preferred areas and depths, these aspects are unknown during the ice-free period. Some young ringed seals make large-scale movements as well, as evidenced by the recovery in Alaska and Siberia of seals branded in the eastern Beaufort Sea. Foxes tagged on Banks Island have been recovered in Alaska, and foxes tagged in Alaska have been recovered on the Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula and on Banks Island.

Authors: I. Stirling and D. Andriashek
Canadian Wildlife Service