Observation of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) feeding on Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhyncus) – exceptional behaviour or upcoming trend?
A polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was observed feeding on Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhyncus) on September 3rd 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 exceptio...
Published in: | Czech Polar Reports |
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Main Author: | |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | unknown |
Published: |
Masaryk University Press
2018
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.5817/cpr2018-2-20 https://journals.muni.cz/CPR/article/viewFile/12931/11283 |
Summary: | A polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was observed feeding on Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhyncus) on September 3rd 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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