How a photographer unintentionally lured polar bears and beluga whales

During a photography expedition in Norway, a crew encountered an extraordinary wildlife moment while navigating the Arctic ice in dense fog. Their decision to pause and rest led to an unexpected meeting with polar bears and beluga whales.

Ocean photographer Greg Lecoeur and his team were exploring Svalbard when they chose to switch off the boats engine and wait out the poor weather conditions. At four in the morning, the captain came by and knocked on my door, Lecoeur recounted.

When Lecoeur stepped onto the deck, he discovered a mother polar bear with her cub nearby. As he photographed them, a distinct, melodic sound caught his attention. The belugas swam beneath the boat and suddenly appeared, he said. It was surprising for us, and I think the polar bear was equally astonished by the large pod approaching.

Lecoeur described the moment as unforgettable in a video shared on YouTube with Ccile Gijsbers. The scene featured beluga whales and a polar bear coexisting peacefully on the Arctic ice.

If you remain quiet and patient, without disturbing wildlife, eventually they come to you, Lecoeur explained.

Although the cub is not prominent in the footage, the encounter remains an extraordinary display of Arctic wildlife in their natural environment.

Author: Gavin Porter