A close encounter with a polar bear is something most people hope to avoid. For centuries, the Inuit have relied on their keen observation skills and inherited wisdom to spot these animals. Seeking to enhance safety measures, Polar Bears International sought to integrate technology with traditional knowledge.
The organization, under the guidance of Geoff York, Senior Director of Research and Policy, explored the adaptation of military security systems for wildlife conservation. This initiative led to the creation of “bear-dar,” a fixed radar system designed to scan the environment and identify any movement, including approaching bears. The system can send alerts via text, email, or trigger visual and auditory deterrents remotely.
Polar Bears International collaborated with Spotter Global, a military technology developer, to refine the bear-dar technology in Churchill, Manitoba, a location known for frequent polar bear sightings. The system underwent training to differentiate polar bears from other objects, continuously improving its accuracy.
In August 2025, the bear-dar system was installed at the Eureka weather station in Nunavut, where Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) staff have noted an increased presence of polar bears. ECCC views the system as a potential tool to enhance staff safety by detecting wildlife, particularly during low-light conditions and polar darkness.
The technology is also set to be tested in communities in Svalbard, where approximately 300 polar bears reside year-round due to changing environmental conditions. Citizen scientist and Polar Bears International ambassador Hilde Fålun Strøm, a long-time resident of Svalbard, has observed the impacts of climate change on polar bear behavior and emphasizes the importance of coexistence and safety measures.
While the bear-dar technology shows promise in safeguarding both humans and wildlife, its implementation comes at a significant cost, with the base model priced at around $60,000. Despite the expenses, the potential of visual detection software for community safety remains a compelling prospect for further exploration and development.
