Svalbard Polar Bears Are Getting Fatter (for Now), Study Finds

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Eric NiilerJanuary 29, 2026 at 07:55 PM

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A recent study found that polar bears in Norway's Svalbard archipelago have surprisingly gained weight over the past 27 years, despite declining sea ice in the Barents Sea. Researchers compared the body condition of the bears with the rate of sea ice melt and discovered the bears were getting fatter as ice receded. The Svalbard polar bear population has remained stable, with some bears adapting by eating reindeer, walruses, and bird eggs, or hunting denser congregations of ringed seals. However, scientists caution that this trend may be temporary, as the Arctic is warming rapidly and sea ice in the region is declining faster than in other polar bear habitats. Researchers believe there will be a point where the bears will start losing weight and face survival challenges.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

North Pole 30% Greenland 40% Fram Strait 60% Norwegian Polar Institute ×270% Barents Sea ×270% Norway ×270% Jon Aars ×580% Svalbard ×690%

Keywords

polar bears 100% sea ice 90% svalbard 80% body condition 70% arctic warming 60% climate change 60% food sources 50% barents sea 50% norwegian polar institute 40%