Based on a report from the Wildlife Society Bulletin, 73 confirmed polar bear assaults occurred throughout Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia and the US between 1870 and 2014. Whereas there was no development within the variety of assaults by decade between 1960 and 2014, the best variety of assaults happened between 2010 and 2014 when the extent of sea ice reached file lows.
Roughly 3,000 polar bears reside within the Chukchi Sea space straddling the border between far east Russia and Alaska. Bears on this subpopulation are identified to commonly journey between Russia and the US, residing off the areas wealthy seal-hunting grounds. Typically, like within the video beneath, the bears could have shut interactions with the restricted human inhabitants within the space.
Polar bears ought to by no means be approached or provoked. Each bear, irrespective of the species, defends a “vital area” that varies depending on the animal and the scenario. For some it could be a number of meters, for others it could be a number of hundred. In any case, intrusion into this area can provoke an assault. In the event you see a bear and it doesn’t know you’re there, it’s best to again away slowly, staying down wind, and go away the world, all whereas keeping track of the animal. Learn extra on polar bear security beneath:
If a bear is aware of you’re there and reveals indicators of being curious, reminiscent of:
- transferring slowly with frequent stops,
- standing on hind legs and sniffing the air,
- holding its head excessive with ears ahead or to the facet,
- transferring its head back and forth, or
- making an attempt to catch your scent by circling downwind and approaching from behind.
THEN:
- assist it to establish you as a human,
- wave your arms over your head and discuss in low tones,
- transfer slowly upwind of the bear so it might get your scent.
If the bear has been shocked at shut vary or reveals indicators of being agitated or threatened, reminiscent of:
- huffing, panting, hissing, growling or jaw-snapping,
- stamping its toes,
- staring instantly at an individual, or
- reducing its head with ears laid again.
THEN:
- act non-threatening. Don’t shout or make sudden actions, which could provoke the bear. By no means huff or hiss as this will trigger a polar bear to cost.
- keep away from direct eye contact.
- again away slowly. DO NOT RUN.
- be ready to make use of deterrents.
If the bear reveals indicators of stalking or searching you, reminiscent of:
- following you or circling you,
- approaching instantly, intently and unafraid,
- returning after being scared away, or
- seems wounded, previous or skinny.
THEN:
- battle again! Use any potential weapon, group collectively and make loud noises.
- DO NOT RUN.
- be ready to make use of deterrents.
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