'Polar Bear Spotter' Is Now A Job
The governor's office on The Svalbard Islands in Norway recently posted a one-of-a-kind job listing: The community needs a polar bear spotter.
Located in the Arctic Ocean between Norway and the North Pole, the archipelago is home to more polar bears (3000) than people (2400). Furthermore, the ecosystem has one of the only growing populations of polar bears in the world. In other areas, polar bear populations are shrinking as global warming destroys their icy habitats.
The bears can be problematic for research teams working in remote areas of the islands. The bears have little fear of humans, lots of curiousity, and are the apex predators of the Arctic. The new bear spotter will stay on the alert for any approaching animals in the vicinty of the researchers.
To be eligible, the applicant must have keen eye sight, outdoor experience and firearm expertise. While he or she probably won't need to use a gun, it's a necessary safety precaution. The job will begin July 8.