There are polar bears amassing in Belushya Guba. Have you heard? This Russian town has had to set up patrols because melting sea ice has forced the bears to look for food outside of their natural habitat. Polar bears raiding garbage cans. Let that sink in.
***
I dragged my trash and recycling bins back through several inches of slush today. Last night it was ice, and the trees and porch and railings were coated with it. I have cleats on my snow boots, but they don’t soothe the terror I feel every time I set foot outside on a wintry day. It’s so easy to slip. Too easy to fall.
Polar bears.
I don’t know why I’m fixating on them—the thought of opening my door and coming face to face with a polar bear—with all that’s happening in the world, but I guess that’s human nature.
And I wonder about the relevance of those hungry beasts so far from their element, trying to survive, make a place for themselves where they are unwelcome and unwanted, because they are beasts after all, and will do as their nature dictates.
One really can’t blame them.
***
It’s been a hard winter. Polar vortexes, storms, and other unpleasantness. I keep thinking the other types of pleasantness would be easier to weather in a warm climate.
But then there are those grapes, luscious and fat in the sun’s honeyed glaze, awaiting transformation. What will their fate be if the soil turns parched and needy?
My boots are stored and drying, their cleats remain strong and ready.
Polar bears.
I hope the lids on my bins are secure.
©2019 All Rights Reserved
(Recommended reading: “The Birds” by Daphne Du Maurier)
You’re absolutely right. We are out of balance. We have thrown this planet out of balance. Our planet is very forgiving but one of these days Mother Nature is going to bite humasn in the behind and show who’s really boss.
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Yes, especially given how nasty the little bites have been. We are in for it. Sigh.
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I fear for the polar bear (and our planet) as well. Not just for myself, but for my children and grandchildren.
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So do I, Nancy. Sigh.
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Huh. Scary. What comes to mind are loud noises. No polar bears in the UK, but you never know – I carry a sharp whistle in my bag at all times.
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No polar bears here either, but we have coyotes in the city and suburbs (as well as the usual foxes, possums, skunks, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks), and they can be a real problem. I’ve also heard that some northern-dwelling wolves are migrating south looking for food, and have been spotted 15-20 miles from us. I came face-to-face one night with a raccoon as it was attempting to get into my trash bin just as I was about to lift up the lid. As you might imagine, I make sure the area is lit now if I head over there at night. But I like your idea of a whistle. That would work, too (although it might rattle my neighbors!).
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A water pistol might work.
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Good idea!
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Hello. The title of your essay is appropriate. On various levels, things are out of whack.
Neil Scheinin
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Hi, Neil. Thanks for your comment. You’re so right, and I fear we’re going to see more of these sorts of migrations as climate change worsens. 😦
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Interesting thoughts and worries, with that final echoing concern, a nice juxtaposition of the problems animals and humans face.
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Many, thanks, Michael. A lot of random thoughts in this one, but that story about the polar bears got to me.
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