It’s All In The Eyes

/ Post by Erica Wills of Polar Bears International

This is my favorite photo from my trip to Churchill with explore.org. It was shot from our first night on the Lodge.

I will never tire of those miraculous moments where I find myself tied to a wild polar bear’s spirit, sharing a moment that few will ever comprehend, let alone experience themselves. I am so blessed and thankful to have had the chance to return to the world I love so deeply. 

And look at those eyes, that adorable face! It reminds me so much of my dog, who passed away eight months ago. Did you know that dogs and bears diverged about 50 million years ago, and so are closely related? That fact is evident when you see these bears rolling around in the snow; playing with each other; and looking up at the weird, two-legged creatures in the big white buggies. It’s all in their expression, their eyes. The way you can look into a dog’s eyes and have a connection with them, so you can do with a polar bear.

This world – this frozen, seemingly barren world that is actually full of life and mystery and beauty – is where I feel most like myself. I want everyone to have the opportunity to experience this for themselves, but the only way that will happen is if each person – you – takes action. Every day, in some small way, you can change our world for the better.