Hello listeners, I'm Earth Ranger Emma. Welcome to my Ultimate Guide to National Parks.

Now, as you may know, I am taking a mandatory vacation for my health, and what's the most relaxing way to spend your vacation?

Well, on a world-win trip through the National Parks of North America, of course. Today, I'm taking you on a trip off the beaten path, and when I say off, I mean far off.

We're in Northern Manitoba, at Wipusk National Park. It's one of Canada's most remote national parks. Not only am I here to explore, but I'm also here because of a message I received from Adelia, as in Adelia Goodwin, the world-legendary conservationist who I met.

Anyways, she told me to get in touch with someone called Nellie, who's a ranger here, so I gotta keep an eye open for her.

Hmm, I'll ask around. I'm sure someone's heard of her, because believe it or not, unlike other parks, this one is not a super popular destination in the summertime.

No, actually, if you want to see the best of Wipusk, you come here in early spring. Why? Well, polar bears, that's why.

In fact, the word Wipusk comes from the Cree language, and it means white bear.

If we were here in early spring, we'd see mamas and cubs emerging from their dens to enjoy the slightly warmer weather.

Even at winter's official end, temperatures hover around zero degrees Celsius. That's, um, uh, 32 degrees Fahrenheit, with some days dipping well below zero.

And that's spring. Can you imagine how cold it gets her in the winter?

In December and January, the coldest months here, the temperature can easily reach a minus 30 degrees Celsius, negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit.

But temperatures of minus 50, negative 58 degrees Fahrenheit, aren't unheard of. And then add the windshield.

This is how cold the wind or temperature feels on exposed skin, and you're looking at a potential low of minus 65 degrees Celsius, negative 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Oh, I can't even imagine being that cold. How on earth can animals survive in these cold temperatures without the protection of boots or mittens or snow suits?

Well, luckily they've got adaptations. Adaptations are traits that help living things survive in their environment.

You know what? Let's look at some of the animals that call Wapascom and see how they do it.

We'll start with the most well-known of the Wapasque residents, the polar bear.

Polar bears are built for life in the Arctic. Their adaptations include a four-inch thick layer of blubber and black skin under their double coat of translucent fur.

That's right. Polar bear fur isn't white. It's clear. They also have fur on the bottoms of their feet helping to keep all parts of this big bear toasty.

But how do little creatures do it? Have you ever heard of a lemon?

Lemons look a bit like Arctic guinea pigs, although they're smaller in size.

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