Wildlife watchers in Billefjorden, Svalbard, observed a polar bear using a juvenile bearded seal as bait to lure and capture its mother, according to expedition company Secret Atlas. The hunting sequence, captured using telephoto lenses in spring 2026, details how the massive predator stalked and struck the seal pup before retreating across the ice in an apparent attempt to draw the adult female out of the water.
Ingenious Hunting Strategy Documented in Svalbard
During a multi-hour hunt in Billefjorden, the polar bear targeted a juvenile bearded seal and successfully struck the animal. Instead of immediately feeding, the predator backed away from the pup. According to Secret Atlas co-founder Michele D’Agostino, this behavior was designed to entice the mother—believed to be nearby underwater—onto the ice to rescue her offspring, which would have allowed the bear to secure a second kill.
When the mother seal chose not to risk the rescue, the bear returned to the original target. The predator pounced on the juvenile with its forepaws and dragged the carcass across the ice to feed. “The bear spent real time reading the ice before committing, then used the pup deliberately to try to draw the mother in,” D’Agostino said, noting that the interaction demonstrated learned behavior rather than instinct alone.
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Expert Insights on Apex Predator Behavior
Witnessing complex hunting strategies requires patience and adherence to strict wildlife viewing protocols. Tourists aboard the Secret Atlas expedition were positioned on the ice long enough to watch the entire sequence unfold. “It’s the kind of detail you only get from being on the ice long enough, and quietly enough, to witness the entire hunting sequence unfold rather than just the final capture,” D’Agostino explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is it for polar bears to use bait?
Were the tourists too close to the polar bear?
No. According to Secret Atlas, the photographers used telephoto lenses, which can make wildlife appear closer than it actually is. All sightings strictly followed AECO distance guidelines and local regulations.
Where did this sighting take place?
The hunt was recorded in Billefjorden, located in the Svalbard archipelago.
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