Observation of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) feeding on Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhyncus) - exceptional behaviour or upcoming trend?

Abstract

A polar bear (Ursus maritimus) was observed feeding on Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhyncus) on September 3 rd 2018 near Skansbukta, central Svalbard. A welldeveloped 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.