Five Things to Know About the Dangers of Manitoba’s Northern Wilderness

RCMP search an area near Gillam, MB. in this photo posted to their Twitter page on July 30, 2019. couple. Twitter, Manitoba RCMP/ The Canadian Press

GILLAM, MB—The RCMP have been searching a remote area in northern Manitoba for more than a week trying to find murder suspects Bryer Schmegelsky and Kam McLeod. A burned-out vehicle the fugitives were driving was found near the town of Gillam, MB., 1,000 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.

Authorities have called the landscape unforgiving and officials in the area say it’s a treacherous place this time of year, even for seasoned hunters and trappers. Here are some of the dangers:

Terrain

John McDonald, Gillam’s deputy mayor, says the area in the summer is covered in muskeg—bog consisting of water and partially dead vegetation often covered by moss.