Observation of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) feeding on Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhyncus) – exceptional behaviour or upcoming trend?

Jan Kavan

10.5817/CPR2018-2-20

A polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was observed feeding on Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhyncus) on September 3^rd 2018 near Skansbukta, central Svalbard. A well-developed male was observed to rest nearby and feed on fresh reindeer carcass. Polar bear hunting a reindeer is rather an exceptional behaviour at present, but could become more frequent with drastic decline of sea ice and thus loss of traditional hunting areas with presence of seals – the usual prey.

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Web sources / Other sources

[1]  The Governor of Svalbard (GOS) (2017): Number of polar bears killed since 1973.

       Environmental monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen (MOSJ).

       Available at: http://www.mosj.no/en/influence/hunting-trapping/polar-bear-bag.html

[2]  United States Geological Survey (USGS) (2018). Available at: https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/

       (accessed November 26^th 2018).