Observation of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) feeding on Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhyncus) – exceptional behaviour or upcoming trend?
Vol.8,No.2(2018)
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.
p olar bear; feeding behaviour; reindeer; climate change
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