Authorities investigate polar bear sightings near Laugarfell in East Iceland

Authorities in East Iceland have been alerted to the presence of two polar bears near Laugarfell. The Icelandic Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched following a report from a foreign traveler who claimed to have spotted the bears in the highland region, northeast of Snæfell.

As part of the response, local police conducted a thorough search of the area indicated by the eyewitness but found no traces or signs of the bears. Police chief Kristján Ólafur Guðnason informed that video footage from Landsvirkjun’s cameras showed no visible evidence of the animals.

The Coast Guard’s helicopter is currently en route to the area equipped with thermal imaging technology to scan the region from above. Meanwhile, the Icelandic Highland Center in Fljótsdal confirmed that there were no guests at Laugarfell’s lodge at the time, as it had closed at the end of last month.

Despite the search efforts, the area continues to see significant tourist traffic, as visitors are drawn to nearby attractions like the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant. For those interested in learning more about polar bears, the website of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History provides information, including a map indicating past polar bear sightings in the region.

The situation is ongoing, and authorities remain vigilant while keeping the public informed about potential polar bear activity, which is rare in this part of Iceland.