Where Polar Bears Apply

Polar bears are collectively referred to as an “aurora” (nodding to the northern lights that dance above them) or as a “celebration”—until you find yourself face-toface with one. Since the hunting of these aptly nicknamed “ice bears” was outlawed in 1973, their numbers in the archipelago have grown to around three thousand. That surpasses the current-day population of their human-shaped neighbors.

Lest one forget that the land belongs to these magnificent creatures, the main town is adorned with a flurry of these public safety signs. Part of a campaign to ensure the beloved beasts are well protected (and that we stay out of their way), the warnings remind residents that the polar bears’ presence Gjelder hele Svalbard—or “Applies to all of Svalbard.” In other words, they’re everywhere.

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