Polar Bear Shot in Svalbard: Investigation Underway

On Saturday, 21 March, a polar bear was shot by a private group in Agardhbukta on the east coast of Svalbard. The group reported the incident to the police, who went to the scene to investigate and question the participants.

Previously, authorities described the bear as “a bear of smaller size.” A veterinary examination conducted in Longyearbyen on 23 March revealed that it was a young female of approximately two and a half years, weighing 99 kilograms. The bear was not tagged and was alone.

Experts say that conflicts with humans often involve young, inexperienced bears or bears in poor condition that may become more desperate.

The police have stated that they have “a general understanding of the sequence of events,” but no further details are being released while the investigation is ongoing.

This is not the first time a polar bear has been shot in Svalbard. The last recorded incident occurred in July 2025, when a bear was shot and authorities later concluded it was an act of self-defense. Polar bears have been protected since 1973 and may only be shot in situations where human life or safety is at risk.

Léa Zinsli, PolarJournal