Handling an encounter

Polar bears are the largest land carnivore in North America. An adult male typically weighs 300-450 kg, stretching 3 metres from nose to tail. They are strong, fast, and agile on land or ice, and are expert swimmers and divers. Their sense of smell is exceptional, their eyesight comparable to a human’s. Polar bears are naturally curious, not fearless as they have been labelled. They are shy and prefer to avoid confrontations with humans and other polar bears. Their primary prey is the ringed seal but they will also prey on birds, eggs, small mammals, and even humans. They also scavenge anything from beached whales to human garbage. In the heat of summer, polar bears may appear slow and docile, but they are capable of moving swiftly and with purpose.

Before your trip, discuss possible plans of action for dealing with bears in a variety of circumstances and be sure everyone understands. The actions of each individual either contribute to or detract from the safety of everyone else. Stay calm and assess the situation. What is the bear doing? What is the bear's behaviour?

• IF a bear does not know you are there:

  THEN:

  • Quietly back away and leave the area either in the direction you came or by making a wide detour around the bear. Do not run, move quickly, or make motions that might attract the bear's attention.
  • Stay downwind, if possible, so the bear cannot smell you and detect your presence.
  • Keep an eye on the bear.

• IF a bear knows you are there and shows signs of being curious, such as:

  • moving slowly with frequent stops,
  • standing on hind legs and sniffing the air,
  • holding its head high with ears forward or to the side,
  • moving its head from side to side,
  • trying to catch your scent by circling downwind and approaching from behind,

  THEN:

  • Help it to identify you as a human - wave your arms over your head and talk in low tones.
  • Move slowly upwind of the bear so it can get your scent.

• IF the bear has been surprised at close range or shows signs of being agitated or threatened, such as:

  • huffing, panting, hissing, growling or jaw-snapping,
  • stamping its feet,
  • staring directly at a person,
  • lowering its head with ears laid back,

  THEN:

  • Act non-threatening. Do not shout or make sudden movements, which might provoke the bear. Never huff or hiss as this can cause a polar bear to charge.
  • Avoid direct eye contact.
  • Back away slowly. DO NOT RUN.
  • Be prepared to use deterrents.

• IF the bear shows signs of stalking or hunting you, such as:

  • following you or circling you,
  • approaching directly, intently and unafraid,
  • returning after being scared away,
  • appears wounded, old or thin,

  THEN:

  • Fight back! Use any potential weapon, group together and make loud noises.
  • DO NOT RUN!
  • Be prepared to use deterrents.

• IF a bear charges:

  THEN:

  • Stand your ground and be prepared to fight! Bluff charges are rare.

In case of an attack

Please follow this emergency check list:

1. STAY CALM and call for help by radio or satellite phone. (Get contact numbers during your orientation to the park).
2. Report location and time of incident.
3. Report number of people involved.
4. Report extent of injuries and property damage.
5. Check that all people in the group are accounted for.
6. Report numbers and last locations of all polar bears involved in the incident.
7. Report reason for the attack if known (Female protecting cubs, surprise, defending food source, etc.).
8. Report description of bears (male or female, size, markings, etc.).
9. Stand by to provide additional information to rescuers.

Please report all polar bear sightings and signs to park staff, as soon as possible.