Tag: climate-change

Helicopters, Hypocrisy, and Harassment: The Double Standard of Polar Bears in Svalbard

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Many wildlife photographers of are likely already aware of the increasingly absurd regulations being imposed on all visitors to Svalbard, particularly surrounding the ‘so-called’ protection of polar bears. One of the most contentious of these mandates is the requirement to maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from a polar bear—no matter the circumstance. That includes viewing from the safety of an expedition vessel and even when a bear voluntarily approaches. Photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers are being pushed further and further away, forced to retreat at the exact moment nature becomes intimate and magical. These new regulations are not designed to protect Polar Bears – they are designed to stop Polar Bear watching in Svalbard.

The new law (Legislative Decree 65 2023–2024), passed in mid-2024, reads:

It is prohibited to unnecessarily disturb, lure, or pursue polar bears.No one may travel or stay closer than 300 meters to a polar bear. From March 1 to June 30, no one may travel or stay closer than 500 meters to a polar bear. Anyone who spots a polar bear closer than the distance limit must move away so that the legal distance is maintained.

Yet on the 20th of April this year, 2025, I witnessed something that throws the entire justification for these restrictions into serious question. I documented an utterly disgraceful scene involving so-called “researchers / scientists” from the Norwegian Polar Institute, who, under the banner of science, mercilessly harassed and stressed a wild polar bear with their helicopter. This wasn’t a misunderstanding or a necessary intervention. This was a prolonged, high-speed chase that left a majestic animal panicked, exhausted, stressed and visibly terrified.

We had been observing this particular bear from a respectful distance aboard our expedition vessel—more than 3 kilometres away—as it rested peacefully on the ice and slowly ambled across the frozen landscape. It was calm, undisturbed, and behaving entirely naturally. We observed the bear for more than four hours, keeping our distance and respecting the environment and the bear. Then came the helicopter.

Flying in at a low altitude and high speed, the chopper panicked the bear almost immediately. It leapt up and began running at full speed, clearly terrified by the sudden roar and presence of the aircraft. What followed was not a quick dart-and-release operation. Instead, the helicopter pursued the bear relentlessly for more than thirty minutes, sweeping down to within mere metres of the fleeing and now highly stressed animal. This was not research—it was a chase. And it was heartbreaking to witness.

Eventually, after the bear was clearly exhausted and had no energy left to continue running, it was darted. Imagine that: terrorising an animal into a state of total exhaustion and stress before sedating it. All in the name of science. 

Let’s be crystal clear here: this was harassment, pure and simple. No matter how it’s packaged, this kind of treatment of a wild animal is not only unethical, it is completely out of alignment with the strict rules imposed on everyone else in Svalbard. If a group of photographers or tourists had behaved this way—approaching a bear at such a close range, causing it to flee in fear, disturbing its natural behavior—we’d be vilified. Fined. Possibly even banned. And yet when it’s a helicopter marked with the insignia of a research organization, this behavior is suddenly justifiable?

I want to be clear at this point. I am not against the science of Polar Bears. I am against the invasive and highly stressful nature in which this science is currently being carried out by the Norwegian Polar Institute. They, and the governor of Svalbard are responsible.

We cannot stand by and allow this kind of hypocrisy to go unchecked. The rules in Svalbard must be applied consistently, regardless of whether the person breaking them wears a lab coat or carries a camera. If it’s unacceptable for an expedition ship to remain stationary while a curious bear approaches, how can it possibly be acceptable to chase that same bear with a helicopter until it collapses from fear, stress and exhaustion?

This is not an isolated incident. Reports from others who have spent time in the Arctic tell similar stories of “research” being used as a shield for disturbing and unnecessary interference with wildlife. It is high time we start questioning who is truly disturbing the natural order in Svalbard.

I’ve included above a photograph—a zoomed-in crop from a 600mm lens—that captures the moment this bear, utterly drained and frightened, tried to escape the mechanical predator circling above. It’s not easy to look at, but it is vital that this image be seen. I urge you to share it widely. Send it to the Governor of Svalbard. Send it to the Norwegian Environmental Agency and Norwegian Polar institute. Send it to every institution responsible for wildlife regulation and oversight in the Arctic – This needs to stop.

The polar bear is not just a symbol of the Arctic—it is an apex species already under tremendous pressure from a rapidly warming world. The very least we can do is treat it with the respect and dignity it deserves. And that means holding everyone—scientists, tourists, guides, and yes, photographers—to the same standard of ethical behavior.

The world is watching. Let’s make sure Svalbard does better.

Addendum: Through a mutual friend, Morten Jørgensen (author or Polar Bears on the Edge), Nikita Ovsyanikov, (Dr. of Bio. Sci., Polar bear specialist), has reached out with the following statement.

“This is a very powerful message in this record of the violence against the bear done by polar bear scientists in Svalbard.  And this evidence should be published widely in all possible media, in all possible ways. Science is doing its cynical business, jeopardizing polar bears in this way to “answer the question of how global warming is affecting polar bears “. These scientists are driving polar bears to extinction. What they are doing is an ecological crime, nothing else!

Considering the legal aspects of this event, and of this invasive methodology in general, the following qualification should be applied:

Due to its de facto impact on animals, this application of such an invasive methodology, should be interpreted as a violation of the law. There are laws intended to protect animals from cruelty, and this is intentional cruel treatment of an animal. There are laws protecting endangered animals, and this intentional treatment has a strong negative impact on and endangered and protected animal.

This harassment of animals and violation of humanitarian and conservation principles must be stopped. Protection of animals from cruelty and protection of endangered species from negative impacts that reduce their survival capacity (evidence is numerous, but continuously denied by the scientists more interested in continuing their business) should be made real and effective.”

Nikita Ovsyanikov, Dr. of Bio. Sci.,  Polar bear specialist, Ethologist and conservationist.

Dr. Nikita Ovsyanikov is widely regarded as the most experienced Polar Bear scientist in the world with decades of experience. 

How can you help? Please sign the petition HERE.

This article was also published by Peta Pixel and has been sent to the authorities and Governor of Svalbard. To date, no response has been received.

Arctic Fox Photography : Capturing Nature’s Greatest Feat of Engineering

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The Arctic fox, with its thick fur coat and keen survival instincts, is one of the most iconic animals of the polar regions. For photographers, it represents a unique challenge and an unparalleled reward. Over the years, I have spent countless hours tracking and photographing this elusive creature in northwestern Iceland. Photographing the Arctic fox’s beauty has been my mission, but also the stark and fragile environment it inhabits. Some years ago I did a book on the Arctic Fox that covered my time spent photographing these animals in Winter. I will soon be starting work on a subsequent book on this incredible feat of Nature’s engineering. In the meantime, I wanted to share some of my thoughts and ethos on photographing these animals as the Arctic Fox remains one of the least understand and most persecuted Arctic mammals.

The Arctic fox is a true survivor of the extreme cold and desolate landscapes of the Arctic. Known for its striking seasonal changes—white (or brown) in the winter and blue/grey or grey in the summer—it blends into its environment, making it both a challenging and fascinating subject for photography. For me, the appeal of the Arctic fox lies not only in its visual charm but in its adaptability and resilience. Photographing Arctic foxes is about more than just snapping a picture of a rare Arctic animal—it’s about telling the story of an incredible species that thrive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Their playful, inquisitive nature, juxtaposed against the severe landscapes of ice and snow, creates opportunities for compelling visual storytelling.

One of the most significant challenges of Arctic fox photography is their elusive and cautious behaviour. These animals are small and nimble, often disappearing into the vast white landscape before a photographer can even reach for their camera. They are exceptionally fast, and their natural camouflage, especially in winter when their fur blends perfectly with the snow, makes spotting them difficult even in open tundra landscapes.

The importance of patience when photographing Arctic foxes cannot be underestimated. The best photographs are rarely the result of luck—they are the product of careful observation, waiting, and understanding of the animal’s behaviour. This means spending long hours in freezing temperatures, often in complete silence, waiting for the right moment when the fox reveals itself in the right light and setting. Patience is, after all, a key requirement in wildlife photography.

Despite the challenges, the experience is most definitely part of the adventure. “It’s not about rushing to get the shot,” instead, “it’s about immersing yourself in the environment and allowing nature to unfold in front of you.” Like many of the region’s inhabitants, the Arctic fox demands a photographer’s respect and humility.

The Arctic fox’s home is a land of extreme cold in Winter, and being prepared is paramount. Inferior camera gear can struggle in freezing conditions, so I recommend using weather-sealed cameras and lenses, along with a solid tripod, to prevent camera shake in high winds or on uneven terrain like ice and snow. Batteries drain quickly in the cold, so he always carries spares, keeping them warm in inner pockets.

Another important consideration for Arctic fox photography is clothing. Always dress in layers, making sure to keep your core warm while ensuring you can remain mobile. Staying warm and comfortable is crucial because wildlife photography, especially in the Arctic, often involves long periods of stillness while waiting for the perfect shot. It is a good idea to avoid overburdening yourself with too much gear. “Stay nimble,”. The Arctic fox is quick and often unpredictable, so a heavy gear load can slow you down. Typically, I will use long telephoto lenses for wildlife photography, such as 400mm or 600mm, allowing me to capture the fox from a respectful distance without disturbing its natural behaviour. I also have a preference for the look of wildlife images with telephoto compression.

Success in Arctic fox photography stems from an understanding of the animal’s behaviour and habitat. Arctic foxes are scavengers, often following polar bears and other predators searching for leftover food. Anticipating their movements increases the chances of an encounter. The best moments to photograph Arctic foxes often happen when they are unaware of human presence. We need to avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could scare the fox away. Instead, we observe from a distance, allowing the fox to go about its activities naturally. Whether it’s searching for food, playing with its mate, or navigating the snowy landscape, these moments are intimate glimpses into the life of this extraordinary animal. We are also mindful of the light and the environment in which we photograph Arctic foxes. The Arctic’s soft, diffused light—especially during the golden hours at sunrise and sunset—casts a magical glow over the landscape, enhancing the fox’s natural beauty. I prefer these times of day for their softer contrasts and ethereal feel, which help convey the serenity and isolation of the Arctic wilderness.

Photography is about more than just technical precision. It’s about capturing emotion and telling a story. In Arctic fox photography, this often means finding ways to highlight the animal’s fragility and resilience in an unforgiving environment. I love images portraying the fox as a solitary figure amidst vast, barren landscapes, reinforcing the isolation that defines much of the Arctic. By placing the fox in wide, empty frames, I can underscore its challenges as a small predator in a vast wilderness, subtly commenting on the environmental threats posed by climate change.

In some photographs, it’s possible to show the Arctic fox’s lighter side, offering a sense of hope and vitality even in such a stark environment. These contrasting moods—loneliness and playfulness, vulnerability and strength—are key elements in an effective storytelling approach to wildlife photography.

Photography in the Arctic is not just about creating stunning images; it’s also about raising awareness of the threats facing this fragile ecosystem. The Arctic fox, while adaptable, is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. As temperatures rise and sea ice retreats, their hunting grounds are shifting, and competition with other predators, like the red fox, is intensifying. It is my hope to inspire others to not only appreciate the beauty of the Arctic but also to take action to protect it. Our photographs serve as a powerful reminder of what’s at stake, offering a window into a world that is rapidly changing.

My own approach to Arctic fox photography, I believe, is defined by patience, preparation, and a deep respect for the natural world. My images capture the Arctic fox in its element, offering a rare glimpse into the life of one of the Arctic’s most enchanting creatures. Through the lens, the Arctic fox becomes more than just a subject; it becomes a symbol of the Arctic’s resilience and vulnerability, inviting viewers to connect with both the animal and its environment in profound ways.

For those inspired by my work, the challenge of photographing the Arctic fox is an invitation to step into one of the most extreme and beautiful landscapes on Earth, where patience and persistence are rewarded with images that evoke the timeless spirit of the frozen North.