In a uncommon incident, a polar bear was shot useless by police in northwest Iceland on September 19, marking the primary sighting of the species within the nation since 2016. The bear was deemed a menace to native residents after it ventured close to a distant summer time cottage, prompting authorities to take motion.
The bear was noticed close to a summer time home within the Westfjords area, the place an aged girl was staying alone. Fearing for her security, the girl locked herself upstairs within the cottage whereas the bear rummaged by way of her rubbish. She managed to contact her daughter in Reykjavik by way of a satellite tv for pc hyperlink for assist. In response to Helgi Jensson, the Westfjords police chief, the scenario posed a big danger because of the proximity of the bear to the home, prompting authorities to behave swiftly.
Polar Bear Shot Useless
Polar bears are usually not native to Iceland however sometimes drift ashore from Greenland on ice floes. Relocating the animal was thought-about, however after session with Iceland’s Atmosphere Company, the choice was made to shoot the bear. Jensson expressed remorse over the choice, stating, “It is not one thing we love to do,” however the bear was too near human habitation to danger a relocation try.
The polar bear, estimated to weigh between 150 and 200 kilograms, was transported to the Icelandic Institute of Pure Historical past for additional research. Scientists plan to look at the animal for any indicators of parasites or infections, assess the situation of its organs, and analyze its physique fats proportion. The bear’s pelt and cranium might also be preserved for future analysis.
Because the ninth century, there have been solely round 600 recorded polar bear sightings in Iceland. The earlier sighting earlier than this incident occurred in 2016. Though polar bears are a protected species within the nation, Icelandic legislation permits deadly motion if an animal is deemed a menace to human life or livestock.
