Polar Bears in Greenland
A Guide to Spotting the King of the Arctic
Polar bears, the majestic “King of the Arctic,” are among the most iconic and revered animals on Earth.
Found in five countries, including Greenland, these powerful predators are a symbol of the frozen wilderness.
Although polar bears are not as commonly seen in Greenland as they are in other parts of their range, the island still offers unique opportunities to observe these incredible animals in their natural habitat.
Discovering Polar Bears in Greenland.
Polar bears, the world’s largest terrestrial carnivores, are primarily found in the Arctic regions of Russia, Canada, Alaska (USA), Norway (Svalbard), and Greenland. Despite Greenland’s vast expanse—over 830,000 square miles—polar bears are less frequently encountered here compared to other regions.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that there are approximately 22,000 to 31,000 polar bears worldwide, with the majority (60-80%) living in Canada.
Where to See Polar Bears in Greenland
Spotting polar bears in Greenland can be challenging due to their elusive nature and the vast territories they roam. However, there are certain areas where your chances of a sighting are higher:
East Greenland
- The remote, ice-covered regions of East Greenland offer one of the best chances to see polar bears. These areas are characterized by expansive sea ice, where polar bears hunt for seals, their primary food source.
- Best Time to Visit: Polar bear sightings in East Greenland are most likely during the summer months when the bears hunt on the pack ice. However, bear in mind that sightings are still rare due to the bears' vast home ranges and the difficulty in accessing these remote regions.
North Greenland
- The high latitudes of North Greenland are less visited by tourists but are prime polar bear territory. These areas remain frozen for much of the year, providing an ideal habitat for polar bears.
- Best Time to Visit: The summer months offer the best opportunities, though access to these remote regions is often limited to specialized expeditions.
Ship-Based Expeditions
- One of the most effective ways to increase your chances of seeing polar bears in Greenland is by joining a ship-based expedition. These cruises navigate the ice-covered coastlines, allowing you to explore areas that are otherwise inaccessible. The mobility of a ship also increases the likelihood of encountering polar bears as they traverse their vast territories.
- Best Time to Visit: Expeditions typically operate during the Arctic summer, from June to September, when the ice conditions are suitable for navigation and the bears are most active.
Exclusivity of Polar Bears In Greenland
Vast Territories
Polar bears have incredibly large home ranges, with females covering an average area of over 100,000 square kilometers. This vast territory, combined with their dependence on shifting sea ice, makes pinpointing their exact location challenging.
Dependence on Sea Ice
Polar bears are highly adapted to life on the sea ice, where they hunt seals. As marine mammals, they are capable swimmers, often covering long distances between ice floes. The dynamic nature of the sea ice means that polar bears are constantly on the move, further complicating efforts to locate them.
Seasonal Movements
During the summer months, polar bears tend to stay on the pack ice in the far north, where they hunt and breed. These high-latitude areas are rarely visited by tourist ships, making sightings even more rare during this time.