In the polar bear capital of the world, a community lives with the predator next door and loves it [Video]

By Seth Borenstein The Associated Press

CHURCHILL, Manitoba (AP) — Sgt. Ian Van Nest rolls slowly through the streets of Churchill, his truck outfitted with a rifle and a barred back seat to hold anyone he has to arrest. His eyes dart back and forth, then settle on a crowd of people standing outside a van. He scans the area for safety and then quietly addresses the group’s leader, unsure of the man’s weapons.

“How are you today?” Van Nest asks. The leader responds with a wary, “We OK for you here?”