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

• Published in: Czech Polar Reports
• Main Author: Kavan, Jan
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Masaryk University Press 2018
• Subjects: Svalbard; Skansbukta; Rangifer tarandus; Sea ice; svalbard reindeer; Ursus maritimus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.5817/cpr2018-2-20; https://journals.muni.cz/CPR/article/viewFile/12931/11283

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.