Svalbard: Most Spotted Animals in April

April in Svalbard marks a further transition into spring, though the landscape is still dominated by snow and ice. As the daylight hours extend even more, wildlife activity intensifies across the archipelago. Polar bears remain one of the key highlights for visitors, continuing to hunt on the sea ice. The chances of spotting them increase with the better visibility and lengthening days. Their cubs, born during the winter, may also start venturing out from their dens under the careful watch of their mothers, offering a unique spectacle for lucky observers.

Arctic foxes become more visible in April as they start shedding their white winter fur in preparation for the warmer months ahead. These small yet resilient predators can be seen scavenging across the frozen tundra, often near colonies of seabirds that are slowly returning to the region. April is also a prime time to see the Svalbard reindeer, which are well adapted to the harsh environment. They spend much of their time foraging for food under the snow, becoming more active as the weather begins to warm. Additionally, ringed seals, a primary prey for polar bears, can often be spotted resting on the ice.