Polar Bear Spotted in Iceland After 8 Years, Tragically Shot by Police
A polar bear was shot dead by police in Iceland after it was spotted near a remote village. This incident marked the first sighting of a polar bear in Iceland in eight years, raising concerns about public safety and wildlife management. The bear, which likely drifted from Greenland, was found rummaging through garbage outside a summer residence in the northwestern part of the country.
The polar bear was discovered by a resident in Höfðaströnd, a small coastal area known for its scenic beauty. The local woman reported the sighting to authorities after feeling threatened by the bear’s presence. She had locked herself inside her home while the bear searched for food outside. Authorities quickly responded to the call, recognizing the potential danger posed by the animal.
Police Chief Helgi Jensson stated that consultations with the Environment Agency led to the decision to shoot the bear. The agency determined that relocating the animal was not a viable option due to high costs and logistical challenges. Jensson emphasized that ensuring public safety was their top priority. “It’s not something we like to do,” he said, reflecting on the difficult choice made by law enforcement.
Polar bears are not native to Iceland but occasionally appear on its shores, classified as vagrants. Since the ninth century, there have been about 600 recorded sightings of polar bears in Iceland. The last confirmed sighting prior to this incident occurred in July 2016. Polar bears can travel significant distances on ice floes, and recent reports indicated that several icebergs from Greenland had been spotted near Iceland’s northern coast.
The bear that was shot weighed between 150 and 200 kilograms (approximately 330 to 440 pounds), suggesting it was likely a female. After being killed, the bear’s body was transported to Reykjavik for examination at the Institute of National History. Scientists plan to conduct tests on its health and check for any parasites or diseases.
Authorities have previously faced similar situations involving polar bears in Iceland. In 2008 and 2016, other bears were also euthanized due to safety concerns. Following these incidents, Iceland’s Minister of the Environment established guidelines for handling polar bear sightings, concluding that killing vagrant bears is sometimes necessary to protect residents and livestock.
The decision to shoot this polar bear has sparked discussions about wildlife management practices in Iceland. While some advocate for more humane treatment options or relocation efforts, others highlight the risks posed by these powerful predators. Polar bears are classified as vulnerable globally due to climate change and habitat loss, which have significantly reduced their hunting grounds in the Arctic.
In recent years, climate change has forced polar bears to adapt their diets and behaviours as sea ice continues to melt. This has led to increased encounters with human populations as bears search for food. Although attacks on humans are rare, officials remain cautious about allowing polar bears to roam freely in populated areas.
The shooting of this polar bear serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife management agencies in balancing conservation efforts with public safety concerns. As climate change continues to impact animal behaviors and habitats, such encounters may become more common.
Following this incident, police have urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and report any further sightings immediately. A coast guard helicopter conducted searches around Höfðaströnd but did not find any additional bears.
