The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the world’s largest land-dwelling carnivore, but it is classified as a marine mammal because it is adapted to spend most of its life on drifting sea ice. On Svalbard, the polar bear is an iconic yet unpredictable part of the natural environment. It is an animal you might encounter anywhere, anytime—even just outside settlements.
Encountering a polar bear can be a powerful and unforgettable experience, but it also involves significant risk. Polar bears move silently, can attack quickly, and without warning. That’s why it's crucial to take necessary precautions, follow local regulations, and heed the advice of experienced professionals. You must never venture outside settlements without being well-prepared and equipped with the necessary knowledge, deterrents, and firearms. As a visitor, it is strongly recommended that you join organised tours with local guides, for both your safety and that of the polar bears.
The Polar Bear – A Powerful Predator Under Pressure
According to Polar Bears International, there are about 26,000 polar bears across the polar regions, divided into 19 different populations. Many roam vast areas, and the populations are interconnected to varying degrees. The population in the Svalbard and Barents Sea region is estimated at around 3,000 bears. Of these, about 300 remain on Svalbard year-round, while some migrate between the archipelago and Franz Josef Land. This means the number of polar bears on Svalbard varies throughout the year, with a likely maximum of fewer than a thousand individuals.
Polar bears are entirely dependent on sea ice for hunting, movement, mating, and sometimes resting. They primarily hunt ringed and bearded seals, which they catch from the ice. The greatest threat facing polar bears is climate change caused by human activity. Climate change is causing the Arctic to warm faster than any other place on Earth, and the sea ice is melting. As a result, ice-free periods are becoming longer, reducing the time polar bears can hunt. This leads to hunger and lower reproduction rates. Without strong measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stabilise temperature increases, research shows that some polar bear populations could disappear by the end of this century.
In recent years, some polar bears have been observed spending more time on land and finding alternative food sources. On Svalbard, polar bears have been seen hunting Svalbard reindeer and eating eggs in bird cliffs. However, it is uncertain whether the polar bear population as a whole can adapt to rapid climate change, and whether alternative food sources can compensate for the loss of fatty seal meat, which also contains many of the nutrients the bears depend on. In addition to climate change, polar bears face other threats such as increased human activity in the Arctic, encounters with people, pollution, disease, and insufficient protection of important denning and hunting areas. In some parts of the world, overhunting also poses a risk to small or declining populations.
Strict Protection – For the Future of the Polar Bear
Polar bears have been protected by international law since 1973, and hunting has been completely banned on Svalbard since the same year. The Svalbard Environmental Protection Act establishes a general prohibition against disturbing, attracting, or pursuing polar bears unnecessarily. Violating this law can result in penalties. From January 1, 2025, new distance requirements for polar bears on Svalbard will take effect: you must keep at least 300 meters away from a polar bear. From March 1 to June 30, the requirement is at least 500 meters. If you spot a bear closer than the legal distance, you are obligated to retreat. This obligation does not apply in inhabited areas or when staying at research stations, cabins, or similar facilities. Also new from January 1, 2025, is the requirement that there must always be an awake and organized polar bear watch at campsites. This does not apply when staying in temporary lightweight cabins, barracks, or similar structures.
There Are No Polar Bear Safaris on Svalbard
Unlike some other places in the world, there are no organised tours on Svalbard aimed at seeking out polar bears—so-called “polar bear safaris” do not exist here. We often get questions like: “Is there a good chance of seeing a polar bear on Svalbard?” or “When is the best time of year to see a polar bear?” The answer is that it simply cannot be predicted. The polar bear is a wild and roaming animal in a vast and sometimes hard-to-navigate landscape. It is also a master of camouflage. The longer you stay on Svalbard, the greater your chances of experiencing the rich Arctic wildlife. If you are among the lucky few who get to see a polar bear, it is a rare and valuable bonus.
Visit Svalbard’s Recommendations for Safe Travel
All visitors are strongly encouraged to join organised tours with local, experienced guides to ensure both your safety and that of the polar bear. Guides have in-depth knowledge of Svalbard’s nature and field conditions and ensure safe travel in challenging terrain. They are also skilled communicators who enrich the experience with insights, stories, and local knowledge. It is important to familiarise yourself with current regulations, listen to local advice, and take necessary precautions to avoid dangerous situations. It is also recommended to speak with Visit Svalbard’s tourist information or hotel receptions for up-to-date guidance and good advice.
How We at Visit Svalbard Communicate About Polar Bears
At Visit Svalbard, we strive to ensure our marketing is responsible, honest, and aligned with what Svalbard truly is. That’s why we have developed ten principles for responsible marketing. We have also signed kommunikasjonsløftet, an industry-wide initiative that commits us to promoting nature and cultural experiences with respect for the environment, local communities, and visitors.
Responsible marketing means, among other things, that we avoid using close-up images of polar bears. Such images can create an unrealistic impression that it is safe or common to get close to the bears, which is illegal and can endanger both people and animals. We aim to portray the polar bear as it truly lives: a free, wild animal in a vast landscape, from a safe and respectful distance.
Learn more about polar bears here:
Norsk Polarinstitutt
Polar Bears International
Nye miljøregler på Svalbard fra 1. januar (Norwegian)
Isbjørn og menneske - erfaringer og kunnskap om isbjørnsikring (vitenskapelig artikkel) (Norwegian)
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