Iceland does not have a native population of bears. The island’s unique geological history and remote location in the North Atlantic have prevented large land mammals from establishing a permanent presence. The conditions necessary to support a stable bear population simply do not exist, making this absence a defining characteristic of Iceland’s terrestrial ecosystem.
The Native Wildlife Reality
Iceland’s isolation as a volcanic island, never connected to a continental landmass, explains the scarcity of its terrestrial fauna. The only truly native land mammal is the Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus). This species arrived during the last Ice Age, likely crossing on sea ice, and has adapted to the harsh environment.
All other established land mammals were introduced by humans, either intentionally or accidentally. Non-native species include Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus), which were brought over in the 18th century and now roam parts of the northeast.
Other introduced mammals include the American Mink (Mustela vison), which escaped from fur farms in the 1930s and established wild populations. Various rodents, such as mice and rats, were inadvertently brought to the island by settlers and ships. The lack of large, native predators means the ecosystem differs fundamentally from mainland Arctic regions.
The Polar Bear Exception
The occasional confusion about bears stems from the rare appearances of the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus). These animals are classified as vagrants, meaning they are transient visitors that do not reside on the island. They arrive primarily by drifting on ice floes that break off near Greenland and are carried across the Denmark Strait by ocean currents.
Sightings are infrequent, averaging about one every two years since 1951, though historical records document 600 to 700 total arrivals since the country was settled. The bears typically come ashore in the remote Westfjords or the North and Northeast regions, which are the closest points to Greenland. Upon arrival, these animals are often exhausted and starved after their long, involuntary journey.
The lack of stable, year-round pack ice means the bears cannot establish a permanent hunting ground for seals, their primary food source. Even if a bear reaches the shore, its prognosis for long-term survival is poor. Scientists view the presence of these visitors as a signal of changing sea ice conditions in the Arctic.
Safety and Official Response
Iceland remains one of the safest destinations for travelers. The biggest wildlife concerns are typically aggressive nesting birds, such as the Arctic Tern or Skua, which may dive-bomb to protect their young during the summer months. There is no need for bear spray or other protective measures against large predators.
When a polar bear is sighted, the official response is swift and coordinated by local authorities and the Environment Agency. The established policy is typically to euthanize the animal. This decision is based on the immediate danger the predator poses to people and livestock, the bear’s poor health, and the high cost and logistical complexity of attempting to capture and relocate it back to Greenland.
While the polar bear is a protected species globally, the Icelandic government determined that the risk to public safety and the bear’s low chance of survival necessitate this action. The policy prioritizes human safety and the welfare of the local community. Scientists often examine the remains of the bears to gather data on their health and origin, contributing to broader Arctic research.