Man drops gun and flees on snowmobile from polar bear in Norway
- In late April 2025, a man in Pyramiden, Svalbard, dropped his gun in an attempt to flee from a polar bear.
- Witnesses, including Rebecca Baack, recorded the encounter, which featured the bear charging and the man escaping on a snowmobile.
- The incident highlights the need for caution and preparedness among tourists in polar bear habitats.
In late April 2025, an intense encounter unfolded in Pyramiden, a remote Arctic town in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, when a man faced a charging polar bear. The event occurred around midnight, as Rebecca Baack, a visitor on a ski expedition, recalled being awakened by alarmed staff members attempting to scare the bear away. This situation escalated quickly as the polar bear charged at one of the staff members who was trying to fend it off. During this terrifying moment, the individual with the firearm reacted instinctively by firing at the bear. However, the bear, undeterred by the gunfire, continued its aggressive advance. Fearing for his life, the man decided to abandon his weapon and escape on a snowmobile. Without looking back, he hopped onto the snowmobile while narrowly escaping the bear's pursuit, which ultimately ceased after a brief chase. This dramatic sequence was captured on video by Baack, who later expressed admiration for the man’s bravery. The presence of polar bears in Svalbard is well-known, as they are frequent visitors to the area and are often a concern for tourists. According to Visit Svalbard, the tourism agency for the region, polar bears are deemed one of the world’s largest carnivores and are known to attack swiftly and without warning. They recommend that tourists always travel with a local guide who is equipped with a firearm for protection while exploring outside the settlements, highlighting the care that must be taken when encountering wildlife in their natural habitat. Rebecca Baack's video not only illustrates the terrifying encounter but also raises questions regarding safety and preparedness for tourists in polar bear territory. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and caution when in close proximity to such powerful and unpredictable animals. It underscores the significance of understanding the environment and the inherent risks that come with it, especially in regions where humans and wildlife coexist.