Bear-dar Prevents a Surprise Encounter with Polar Bears

Bear-dar, Polar Bears International's innovative AI radar system, has successfully prevented a surprise encounter between people and polar bears for the first time.

This footage shows Bear-dar’s first confirmed polar bear detection at the site and a successful deterrence, as it spots a mom and two healthy cubs. Previously, it had mostly detected Arctic wolves around the site of its first deployment, the Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) weather station in Eureka, Nunavut, Canada. 

“Any time we can potentially add another tool to our bear safety toolbox, it’s a big deal”, said Alysa McCall, Polar Bears International's director of science. “More bear safe tools mean fewer negative encounters, ultimately keeping people and polar bears separate and safer.”

Staff safely escorted the bears away

Staff utilized vehicles to calmly and safely escort the polar bear family away from the weather station. The family quickly moved toward the sea ice, which is their preferred habitat for hunting seal prey, with minimal encouragement required. This successful deterrence ensured the safety of both the bears and the staff, allowing them to continue their work on site.

Staff were able to continue checking on the bear's location using the system camera.

What happens when Bear-dar spots a bear?

The radar system detects and tracks motion on the landscape. If the characteristics of the track (such as size, speed, and how it shows up on the radar) look like a potential polar bear, or something unknown, then the weather office staff receives an alert. The workstation emits a 'beep' for as long as the notable track is active. And if the track is moving towards the station, the computer plays an audible warning of “Approaching.” 

Staff can see the tracks overlaid on a map of the area.

A camera is paired to the radar, capturing a visual image of the tracked motion, so that staff can more easily evaluate what is happening.

Outside, a beacon light will turn on to indicate potential large wildlife moving near the weather station. The staff can turn the light off once they have evaluated the potential track.

Why is bear-detecting radar needed?

Due to climate change-driven sea ice loss, polar bears are forced to spend more time on land, leading to potential encounters with people. To keep both polar bears and people safe, Polar Bears International collaborates with communities on a range of essential coexistence solutions, from Bear-dar to educational programs and non-lethal deterrents.

Bear-dar was developed by Polar Bears International in partnership with Spotter Global to detect approaching polar bears regardless of weather conditions or time of day. By alerting communities and remote camps, Bear-dar eliminates surprise encounters, ensuring the safety of both polar bears and people. 

Spotter Global’s Logan Harris, president and founder, notes, "We’re delighted to see “Bear-dar” expanding to Eureka in its first official deployment to the High Arctic region with Polar Bears International.”

What’s next for Bear-dar?

Staff at the weather station will keep monitoring the polar bears, while watching for potential interactions between polar bears, wolves, and other wildlife in the Arctic.

Future Bear-dar installations can be tailored to specific locations or circumstances based on geography, weather, wildlife species and staff activities. What we are learning in Eureka will help Bear-dar be more efficient and effective in other Arctic communities.