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Polar Bears | Polar Bear Overview | Polar Bear Damage Assessment | Polar Bear Damage Management | Polar Bear Resources | Polar Bear Acknowledgments | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
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Polar Bears
Threat or damage from a polar bear differs from that of other bears because it can occur at any time of the year. Conflicts are commonly referred to as “threat to life or property” (TLP) or “defense of life or property” (DLP). Although polar bears are the most predatory of the three North American bears, their threat to human life has been low. Historically, northern people (Inu, Inuit, Inuvialuit, and Inupiat) were aware of the threat posed by polar bears. Legends and artwork portray conflicts between northern people and polar bears. In recent times, polar bears have injured or killed people living and working in the Arctic.
Summary of Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Exclusion
Heavy woven-wire fences (minimum 6 feet [2 m] tall). Specifically designed electric fences. High metal walls (offshore oil rig caisson or drilling ship).
Sturdy metal buildings and iron cages.
Cultural Methods
Remove snow around buildings and work areas to increase visibility.
Install good lighting in areas where it is essential to detect bears that may be in the vicinity.
Store garbage, human waste, food, and other products in areas not accessible to bears.
Deterrents and Frightening Devices
Loud noises, vehicle engines, cracker shells, rifle shots, barking dogs, and air horns.
Trained bear dogs.
Employ trained bear monitors with firearms and deterrents to protect communities, industry camps, and work places.
No lethal firearm deterrents such as 12-gauge plastic slugs and 1 1/2-inch (38-mm) rubber bullets.
Vehicles, heavy construction equipment, snowmobiles, and helicopters can be used to chase polar bears away from work and living areas.
Detection Systems
Dogs, bear monitors, trip-wire fences, and electronic (infra-red, microwave, modulated light beam) alarm systems. Constant vigilance of personnel working at the site.
Repellents
Capsaicin spray.
Toxicants
None are registered.
Fumigants
None are registered.
Trapping
Live traps (culvert and barrel traps) and snares (Aldrich foot snares).
Shooting
Twelve-gauge shotgun and rifled slugs at close range.
High-powered rifle of .30-06 caliber or larger at close or long range.
Other Methods
Drugging and immobilization with Telazol (safest and most reliable drug) administered by a dart gun or jabstick. Other drugs can be used with suitable care
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Polar Bears | Polar Bear Overview | Polar Bear Damage Assessment | Polar Bear Damage Management | Polar Bear Resources | Polar Bear Acknowledgments | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
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