Drift ice between Iceland and Greenland is being closely monitored this year to estimate the risk of polar bears drifting on ice floes and swimming to Iceland, as happened twice last June.
Judging by the current position of drift ice and the current wind direction, it is considered unlikely that Greenlandic polar bears will pay Iceland a visit again this year, Morgunbladid reports.
According to information from the Icelandic Meteorological Office, the eastern winds that have been dominant recently are likley to keep the pack ice close to Greenlands eastern shore.
However, if the wind turns to the west, drift ice could move closer to Iceland and then there is a slight possibility that polar bears might drift with it.
The employees of the Center for Natural Research of Northwest Iceland in Saudárkrókur, close to where the bears swam ashore last summer, pay close attention to weather forecasts this year and are in constant communication with drift ice experts.
The polar bears, which were both shot, were stuffed for display.
One of them is on display at the center; the other is preserved at the Sea Ice Exhibition Center in Blönduós.
Keeping an eye on the ice
The polar bears which wandered into Iceland last summer are now tourist attractions- but ice conditions this year not likely to lead to repeat visits.
Published: 16.05.2009 06:17
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