Svalbard polar bear woken by foghorn, triggering fine worth thousands of dollars for wildlife disturbance

A visitor in Svalbard received a substantial fine for using a foghorn to wake a polar bear. This action unnecessarily disturbed protected wildlife in the fragile Arctic environment. Polar bears have been protected species in Svalbard since 1972, with strict rules in place. Regulations prohibit unnecessary disturbance, attraction, or pursuit of these animals. The fine serves as a reminder of the consequences for interfering with Arctic wildlife.