Polar bear shot in Höfðaströnd, transported to Reykjavik for examination

A female polar bear was shot today and was found to be in fair condition. According to Þorvaldur Þór Björnsson, a taxidermist at the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, the bear appears to be relatively fit initially, weighing an estimated 150 to 200 kilograms.

The bear was transported to Reykjavik this evening via Coast Guard helicopter after being shot in Höfðaströnd in the Jökulfjörður area. While the exact age and further details about the animal are currently unknown, Þorvaldur suggested that it might have lost its mother. He also mentioned that it is likely the bear traveled a significant distance, possibly from the Húnaflói region.

Samples will be collected for further study, and Þorvaldur noted the possibility of relocating polar bears back to Greenland, although this process is complex. He pointed out concerns from Danish authorities regarding potential disease risks and the lack of enthusiasm from Greenlanders for receiving the bears back on their ice.

Þorvaldur has received numerous calls from people concerned about the shooting of the animal, prompting him to limit his phone communication during the night. He is now focused on investigating this specific polar bear in Höfðaströnd.