The Disturbing Double Standard for Polar Bear ‘Protection’ in Svalbard

There have been increasingly absurd regulations being imposed on visitors to Svalbard in recent years, particularly surrounding the protection of polar bears. One of the most contentious of these mandates is the requirement to maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from a polar bear (about five American football fields), no matter the circumstance. [Read More]

Apr 21, 2025 - 17:00
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The Disturbing Double Standard for Polar Bear ‘Protection’ in Svalbard

A helicopter hovers low above a snowy landscape, stirring up a cloud of snow. A polar bear is visible on the ground amidst the blowing snow.

There have been increasingly absurd regulations being imposed on visitors to Svalbard in recent years, particularly surrounding the protection of polar bears. One of the most contentious of these mandates is the requirement to maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from a polar bear (about five American football fields), no matter the circumstance.

[Read More]