Polar Bear Encounter in Svalbard
While cruising off the east coast of Spitsbergen naturalists on the bridge noticed a polar bear lying on the snow. As the captain manoeuvred the ship closer the bear looked up but seemed unconcerned about us and continued its nap.
We soon noticed that there was also a female bear, with a cub, lying on the snow close by keeping an eye on the old male bear.
While we were trying to work out what was going on with these three bears the old male got up, stretched, exposing his battered frame and then started to pull something out of the snow that he had been using as a pillow.
For the next hour we watched on as first the female and cub approached the male bear and then a further two bears made a beeline across the ice for the old bear and his prize.
Nice time for a nap?
Why is a female bear and cub (far right) watching the male bear (on the left) nap?
Let the show begin
The reveal - that wasn't a pillow but a baby beluga hidden in the snow
Will you share?
Definitely not!
Beating a hasty retreat
Looking behind while running across ice results in a quick dip in the icy water
In the distance two other bears suddenly take an interest in proceedings
First of the new bears didn't like its chances and retreats
The next bear tries its luck
Another hasty retreat
Time for us to leave so good bye, and good luck