In the Arctic, encountering a polar bear is a situation most people hope to avoid. For centuries, the Inuit have relied on their keen observational skills and ancestral knowledge to spot these majestic creatures. However, Polar Bears International had an innovative idea – what if technology could enhance traditional methods to ensure everyone’s safety?
Geoff York, the senior director of research and policy at Polar Bears International, shared that the organization explored using military-developed security systems for wildlife conservation purposes. This initiative gave birth to “bear-dar,” a fixed radar system designed to scan the surroundings and detect any movement, serving as an early warning system for nearby bear sightings.
York explained that the bear-dar system can send alerts through text messages, emails, flashing lights, or even trigger remote deterrents like strobe lights or startling noises to keep bears at bay. Collaborating with military technology developer Spotter Global, Polar Bears International fine-tuned the technology in Churchill, Manitoba, a region where polar bear encounters are frequent.
The bear-dar system was successfully installed in August 2025 at the Eureka weather station in Nunavut’s Qikiqtaaluk region, where Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) staff have noted an uptick in polar bear presence. ECCC acknowledged the potential of bear-dar to enhance staff safety by notifying them of polar bear or other wildlife sightings, especially during low light conditions.
Svalbard communities are also interested in testing the bear-dar technology this winter, as the area hosts around 300 polar bears year-round. Hilde Fålun Strøm, a citizen scientist and Polar Bears International ambassador residing in Svalbard for over three decades, emphasized the importance of technology like bear-dar in safeguarding both humans and wildlife in the region.
While current polar bear detection in Svalbard relies on human observation, Strøm believes that bear-dar could offer a more reliable safety measure. Despite the system’s effectiveness, its implementation comes with a significant cost, with the base model priced at around $60,000. York highlighted the potential of visual detection technology, suggesting that communities can explore further options based on their needs and preferences.