For this reason, polar bears are very inquisitive and will try any new or unfamiliar thing they come across to see if it is edible. After their curiosity has been satisfied, they will generally move on. Scientists believe that the polar bear population on Svalbard is around 2,000, of which half are females. The young are born around the New Year and usually remain with their mother for two and a half years. The harsh conditions mean that only one in three cubs will survive this period of time.
Pollution is also a factor.
The males, which are larger than the females, usually grow to 2.5 m long, and the largest male polar bear ever recorded weighed just over one tonne. A bear which had to be shot on Hopen in 1995 weighed 800 kg.