It’s true. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) posted the update to its Smartraveller site this week.
“There are risks for travellers to the arctic archipelago of Svalbard relating to avalanches, glacier accidents, boating incidents and polar bear encounters,” it reads, pointing out that tourists have been killed or injured in the past.
But the post has been met with amusement by Norway’s Foreign Ministry.
“Thank you Australia for your concern. We can assure you that in mainland Norway all polar bears are stuffed and poses only limited risk,” the Foreign Ministry tweeted.
A DFAT spokesperson did respond later to say that travellers should still just “exercise normal safety precautions.”
In short, if you see a bear, run the other way.
Want an extra laugh? Check out this video – the perfect reminder of why you should never walk and text.
