Video shows man dropping gun and escaping polar bear by hopping on snowmobile

A dramatic video captured a man fleeing a charging polar bear in Norway after dropping his gun and hopping onto a snowmobile. 

The incident reportedly unfolded in Pyramiden – an Arctic town in the archipelago of Svalbard – in late April. 

Rebecca Baack shared her experience of being awakened in the middle of the night by news of a bear at the hotel where she was staying. According to her, a staff member was attempting to deter the bear when it suddenly charged at him. This incident led to a tense situation that unfolded unexpectedly.

Footage taken by Baack begins with the sounds of gunfire and a person running from a polar bear. 

The person is then seen leaping onto a snowmobile while trying to escape the polar bear in Norway. (Rebecca Baack via Storyful)

The Visit Svalbard tourism website describes the polar bear as the “King of the Arctic” and “one of the world’s largest carnivores.” 

“Polar bears attack extremely quickly without warning. Be accompanied by a local guide with a firearm when leaving the settlements,” it warns.  

The individual outruns the bear in Norway by racing away in the snowmobile. (Rebecca Baack via Storyful)

Information on adult polar bears’ size was also provided, ranging from 440 to 1,763 pounds. The report emphasized that humans are seen as intruders in the polar bear’s natural habitat, potentially marking them as prey. Even small cubs, weighing less than 220 pounds, were noted to possess remarkable strength and aggressiveness, posing a significant threat to humans.