A person in Svalbard was fined 50,000 NOK for waking a sleeping polar bear with a foghorn, violating wildlife protection laws.
In the Svalbard archipelago, located between Norway and the Arctic, an individual aboard a moving vessel noticed a polar bear sleeping on the shore. In an attempt to wake the polar bear, the person blew a high-pitched foghorn, which is used solely as a warning in maritime activities, causing the animal to wake up and move away from the area.
Following an investigation by Svalbard Governor Lars Fause, it was determined that the action was carried out intentionally and directly disturbed the protected animal. Authorities imposed an administrative fine of 50,000 Norwegian kroner (approximately 5,300 dollars) on the individual who carried out the act. It has been reported that the individual accepted the fine.
Violation of wildlife conservation rules
According to Svalbard's environmental protection laws, it has been strictly prohibited since 1973 to unnecessarily disturb, attract, or follow internationally protected polar bears. As per legal regulations, individuals must not approach polar bears within 300 meters between July and February, and within 500 meters during the mating season from March to June.
Disturbing hibernation poses a vital risk
Experts indicate that polar bears, particularly during the summer months, struggle to access their primary food sources due to melting glaciers. Animals that do not receive sufficient calories rest by remaining inactive throughout the day and taking long naps to conserve energy.
Authorities and conservation organizations emphasize that waking and moving bears unnecessarily during this period leads to additional energy loss, which can pose a life-threatening situation, especially for pregnant or nursing females. Similar fines have previously been imposed on tourists who disturbed wildlife in the region.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
