While Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife, polar bears are not native to the island. These Arctic predators occasionally appear on Icelandic shores, but they do not maintain a resident population. Their infrequent visits are notable events, capturing public and official attention.
The Rare Occurrences
The presence of polar bears in Iceland is an unusual phenomenon, with records of sightings dating back to the country’s settlement in the 9th century. Historically, over 600 polar bears have been recorded as arriving. While occurrences were more frequent in the 19th century (averaging two to three annually), since 1951, a polar bear has been sighted about once every other year. These instances are isolated and do not indicate a breeding population.
The infrequency of these events makes each sighting a significant occurrence, often sparking discussions about the bears’ welfare and public safety. For instance, in 1881, an exceptionally cold winter saw around 73 bears visit Iceland. More recently, two polar bears were sighted in 2008 within a single month.
Origin and Journey
Polar bears reaching Iceland typically originate from Greenland, traveling across the open ocean. They primarily arrive by drifting on ice floes or icebergs, especially when sea ice is extensive. These act as rafts, carrying the bears from their Arctic hunting grounds.
Ocean currents also guide ice floes towards Iceland’s northern and northeastern coasts. The distance between Iceland and Greenland is approximately 300 kilometers at its narrowest point. While polar bears are strong swimmers (up to 100 kilometers in about 11 hours), they generally rely on sea ice for long-distance travel. Bears arriving in Iceland are often disoriented and hungry, having been adrift at sea for extended periods.
Management and Conservation
When a polar bear is sighted in Iceland, authorities implement specific protocols. Public safety is the primary concern, as these large predators can threaten humans and livestock, especially if hungry and disoriented. The immediate response involves tracking the bear and assessing the danger it presents.
Icelandic law protects polar bears, but exceptions are made if they are deemed a threat. After two polar bears appeared in 2008, a national task force developed guidelines. The task force concluded that culling wandering bears is often the most appropriate response, given the logistical difficulties and high costs of safely capturing and relocating them to Greenland.
While conservation groups advocate for live capture, challenges like tranquilizing a bear without it entering the sea, transporting it, and ensuring its health for a long journey make relocation highly uncertain. This policy has led to debate, as polar bears are a vulnerable species globally, largely due to climate change impacts on their sea ice habitat. The melting of Arctic sea ice may alter future patterns of polar bear visits to Iceland.