Polar bear sighted at Höfðaströnd in Jökulfjörður prompts warnings from authorities

A polar bear was sighted today at Höfðaströnd in Jökulfjörður, prompting local authorities to issue warnings. A summer house owner reported seeing the bear wandering around their property. The police in the Westfjords have confirmed the sighting and are advising residents in the area to remain alert and stay indoors.

Hlynur Snorrason, the chief of police in Ísafjörður, stated, “We are currently deploying personnel by helicopter and sea.” The individual who reported the sighting observed the bear moving around the summer cabins. Snorrason emphasized the importance of caution for anyone in the vicinity.

The local police have coordinated with the Environment Agency to dispatch a search and rescue helicopter, while the rescue boat Kobbi Láka is en route carrying two police officers from Ísafjörður. In recent weeks, large icebergs have been seen off the shores of the Westfjords, which might be contributing to unusual wildlife behaviors in the area.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and ask the public to keep their distance from the polar bear for safety.