Polar bears can be dangerous to humans, but fatalities are relatively rare. The risk increases in situations where bears are hungry, stressed, or encounter people near hunting grounds, camps, or coastal areas where ice and prey are scarce. In practice, most interactions do not result in attacks, but when an attack occurs, polar bears’ size, strength, and predatory nature make such encounters extremely dangerous. Key points to understand:

• Polar bears are apex predators and may see humans as potential prey, especially if their natural seal prey is scarce due to sea-ice loss.

• Attacks tend to be predatory rather than defensive, with higher risk when bears are in poor body condition or when humans are into areas where bears have learned to associate people with food or garbage.

• Fatal incidents are uncommon, with historical records showing dozens of fatalities over more than a century, but recent years have seen notable attacks in small Arctic communities where bears and people are in closer proximity.

• Prevention and safety practices substantially reduce risk: travel in groups, maintain a respectful distance, store food properly, carry deterrents (bear spray where legal, loud deterrents, and other measures where appropriate), and be informed about local bear behavior and ice conditions before venturing into polar bear habitat.

Practical guidance if you’re in polar bear country:

• Avoid areas where bears are known to be, especially along coastlines and on sea ice.
• Travel with companions; bears are less likely to approach groups.
• Make yourself visible and make noise to avoid surprising a bear.
• Do not run or climb a tree; back away slowly if a polar bear is observed at a distance.
• If a bear approaches or charges, use deterrents as appropriate to the jurisdiction, and seek shelter or a vehicle if possible.
• In communities or workplaces near polar bears, follow local guidelines and liaise with rangers or wildlife authorities for current safety advisories.

If you’d like, I can tailor safety guidance to a specific location or activity (e.g., trekking, research station work, or tourism) and provide a concise checklist aligned with local authorities.