What to Do if You Encounter a Polar Bear in the Wild
It’s hard to look at a polar bear and not feel a mix of awe and alarm. They’re massive and built for survival on Arctic ice. While polar bear encounters are rare for most people, they do happen. And when they do, you’ll want more than just a camera. Here’s what to do if your hike suddenly includes a 1,200-pound guest.
Don’t Wait Around to See What It Does
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If a polar bear notices you but isn’t moving aggressively, the best course of action is to remain still and watch. Start backing away slowly. Walking sideways helps you keep balance and visibility. It’s your cue to exit, calmly and quietly, before curiosity turns into something riskier.
If It Hasn’t Seen You, Keep It That Way
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Avoid drawing attention. Sound travels easily across icy terrain, and polar bears have an excellent sense of smell—up to a kilometer, even through snow. Stay downwind if possible, and don’t yell or snap photos. Maintain a safe distance between you and the bear by taking the quietest path possible.
Curiosity Isn’t Harmless—Make Noise
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A bear that stands on its hind legs or starts sniffing the air isn’t being friendly. It’s checking you out. Loud noises—such as yelling, banging metal objects, or clapping—can help break that curiosity loop. Make yourself look bigger, stay with your group, and don’t stop unless the bear does.
Travel With a Deterrent, and Know How It Works
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Bear spray, when appropriately used, is effective against polar bears. It creates a thick, pepper-filled cloud that irritates eyes and lungs. Flares also work at greater distances. If you’re in Arctic territory, don’t just pack deterrents—practice using them. During a charge, you won’t have time to read instructions.
Keep Food Smells Far From Your Tent
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Polar bears aren’t coming for you. They’re coming for whatever smells like calories. That includes toothpaste, trash, snacks, and cooking gear. Store food in airtight containers and place it at least 50 meters away from where you sleep. If the wind is strong, put the food stash downwind.
Choose Your Campsite Like You’re the Smallest Thing Around
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Avoid beaches, river mouths, coastal cliffs, and anywhere you see bear tracks or scat. Active glaciers and areas with lots of animal carcasses are high-risk zones. Camp in open areas with good visibility, away from loud rivers that might cover sound.
Don’t Run—Ever
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Running kicks in a predator’s instinct to chase. Polar bears may appear slow, but they can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. If the bear isn’t charging, moving slowly is better than fleeing. Once you start running, you’ve made the decision for both of you, and it’s not in your favor.
Group Up and Stay Together
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Bears are less likely to approach a group than a solo hiker. More people make more noise and take up more space. If an encounter happens, form a tight group and keep talking. Your group is your safety zone.
A Charging Bear Isn’t Bluffing
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Unlike grizzlies, polar bears don’t do mock charges. If it’s running at you, it’s serious. Aim your bear spray low to create a barrier. If you have a flare, fire it toward the ground in front of the bear. If those fail and contact happens, fight back—target the nose and eyes.
Report Any Encounter—Even the Weird Ones
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If you’ve seen a bear close to town, on a popular trail, or near campsites, let local authorities know. This helps others avoid danger and gives wildlife officers a chance to track bear movements. In Greenland or Alaska, you may be legally required to report sightings.