Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Polar Bears Thriving in Norway Despite Ice Loss
Scientists in Norway found that polar bears in the Svalbard region are getting fatter and healthier, even though the ice in the Arctic is melting quickly.
This is surprising because people thought that losing their icy habitat would make them weaker.
The polar bears are now eating more land animals like reindeer and walruses, and they are also finding it easier to hunt seals because the seals gather in smaller ice areas.
However, this might not be the case for polar bears in other places like Canada, where they are losing weight.
The scientists think that warmer temperatures are helping the polar bears in Svalbard find more food.
Polar bears in Svalbard, Norway, are gaining weight and appearing healthier despite rapid Arctic ice loss.
Scientists tracked 770 adult polar bears between 1992 and 2019, finding they are adapting by hunting land-based prey like reindeer and walruses.
Warmer temperatures have made it easier for polar bears to hunt seals, as seals gather in smaller ice areas.
Some polar bears now spend up to 90% of their time on land, showing adaptability.
These findings contrast with polar bears in other regions, like Hudson Bay in Canada, where they are losing body mass.
- Who
- Scientists at the Norwegian Polar Institute and French environmental research centre
- What
- Polar bears in Svalbard, Norway, are gaining weight and appearing healthier despite rapid Arctic ice loss
- When
- Study conducted between 1992 and 2019
- Where
- Svalbard archipelago, Barents Sea, Norway
- Why
- Polar bears are adapting by hunting land-based prey and taking advantage of seals gathering in smaller ice areas
- Region
- Svalbard, Norway
- Study Period
- 1992-2019
- Polar Bears Studied
- 770 adult polar bears
- Temperature Increase
- Barents Sea experienced greater temperature increase than any other Arctic region in past 4 decades
- Sea Ice Loss
- Area lost sea ice twice as fast as any other Arctic region
- Land Time
- Some polar bears spend up to 90% of time on land
- Alternative Prey
- Reindeer and walruses