As the M/V Ocean Endeavour pushed cautiously through a challenging patch of sea ice on route to clearing customs in Resolute, a couple of harp seals frolicked in the water of Lancaster Sound just off the ship’s bow. Their heads popped straight up so they could playfully stare us down for a few seconds before disappearing briefly and then bobbing to the surface in a never-ending loop.

Two recent events involving grizzly bears eating human food at picnic areas in Jasper National Park led to one bear family being relocated.

At a ceremony Wednesday at Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada, the leadership of the National Park Service and Parks Canada signed a renewed memorandum of understanding "to reinforce the longstanding relationship between the two organizations."

Two national parks in British Columbia have launched smoking restrictions to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires.