April 2022

 

Introduction

Human-polar bear interactions are becoming more common and frequent across the Arctic. These interactions are linked to expanding human activity including tourism and exploration in the Arctic, and polar bears spending more time on land due to sea ice loss. There is a continued need to address human-polar bear interactions to ensure public safety and minimize polar bear injury or mortality. Deterrence programs and training protocols can provide site- and situation-specific measures to minimize interactions between humans and polar bears.

The information presented below is the output of action HBCIS-2 of the Human-Polar Bear Conflict Working Group.

Purpose

The goal of this resource is to provide information on polar bear deterrence programs and training protocols currently in use across the polar bear RS. Individuals and organizations seeking to implement polar bear deterrence programs in their area can access this resource for information on programs that address their specific needs. For each program/protocol, a brief summary is provided about the program, its history, the number of people trained, and where to find more information.

List of polar bear deterrence programs and protocols: 

 

For more information contact the Human-Polar Bear Conflict Working Group co-leads, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Sybille Klenzendorf

 

Disclaimer

The Polar Bear Range States (hereafter, PBRS) seek to ensure that the information published on this website is accurate, and informed by the best information available at the time of publishing. However, due to the unique nature of each interaction between polar bears and people, the PBRS and their employees or agents shall not be held liable for any injury, including death to any person, nor for any property damage or loss, which may be sustained from the use and application of the information published on this website. Any use or reliance on the information published on this website by any individual is at that individual’s sole risk. Polar bears are wild animals that can cause considerable harm and the PBRS assumes no liability with respect to use and application of the information contained herein.