The operator of a remote radar station in the Canadian Arctic says two polar bears attacked and killed a worker.
The attack happened Thursday at one of Nasittuq Corporation’s operations on Brevoort Island in Nunavut. The company has not released the victim’s name.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues affected by this loss,” the company said in a statement. “Nashittuq Corporation is providing support to the family of the deceased during this difficult time. Additionally, we are providing counselling services to all affected employees.”
Polar bear attacks are extremely rare, and Nasittuk said it was working closely with local authorities and regulators to thoroughly investigate the attack.
It was not immediately clear whether the bear had been captured. NBC News has reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for more information.
According to the Canadian government, there are more than 17,000 polar bears in Canada – roughly two-thirds of the world’s estimated population – and they are managed and protected under federal, provincial and territorial wildlife laws.
Thursday’s incident came a year after a mother and her 1-year-old son were mauled and killed in Alaska. The state Department of Public Safety said a bear went on a rampage in the small community of Wales. Residents shot and killed the bear that attacked Summer Miomick, 24, and her son, Clyde Ontwaslack.
