Svalbard: Most Spotted Animals in June

In June, Svalbard's Arctic wilderness is teeming with life as the summer sun never sets. Polar bears are among the most sought-after animals, though their sightings become less frequent compared to earlier in the year when sea ice was more prominent. Still, dedicated adventurers who head towards the remaining ice floes in the north may encounter these magnificent creatures as they hunt seals. While they are spread across the archipelago, polar bear sightings are most likely along the northern shores, where the bears continue their search for food amidst the retreating ice.

Birdlife in Svalbard reaches its peak during June. The cliffs come alive with colonies of nesting birds like puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Birdwatchers can enjoy the spectacle of thousands of birds soaring above the cliffs, with their calls filling the air. Arctic terns, known for their long migration journeys, can be seen darting across the sky as they fiercely protect their nesting grounds. Along the tundra, Svalbard reindeer are easy to spot as they graze on the newly thawed vegetation, while Arctic foxes stealthily search for bird eggs or small prey to feed their young.

Marine life also makes June a captivating time to visit Svalbard. Walruses, with their distinctive tusks and whiskered faces, haul out onto sandy shores in large numbers. These social animals are often spotted lounging in the sun, oblivious to the presence of curious tourists. Beluga whales are also active in Svalbard’s icy waters, gliding gracefully through the fjords in small pods. The abundance of fish and the retreat of the ice make this an excellent time to see marine mammals, whether from the shore or on a boat tour.

Another fascinating animal commonly spotted in June is the bearded seal. These seals, with their thick whiskers, are often seen lounging on ice floes or swimming close to shore. Their ability to remain in the water for long periods makes them a thrilling sight for those exploring Svalbard’s coastal waters. With more ice melting, they become more visible as they move closer to land. Spotting these animals often provides an opportunity to observe polar bears in pursuit, creating an exciting experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

June also marks the best time to encounter smaller but equally interesting creatures in Svalbard. The Svalbard rock ptarmigan is often spotted on the tundra, its plumage shifting from winter white to summer brown, helping it blend with the rocky landscape. Lemmings, tiny rodents that scurry about in search of food, also become more active as the snow melts, emerging from their burrows to take advantage of the short Arctic summer. These creatures may be small, but they are essential to the ecosystem and are a key food source for predators like Arctic foxes.

The Arctic fox, with its coat now brown in color, continues to be a common sight in June. Whether hunting for birds or scavenging from polar bears' leftovers, the foxes are always on the move. Their clever and resourceful nature makes them captivating animals to observe, and seeing them raise their young pups is a unique experience that visitors can witness during this time of year. Foxes are known to follow bird colonies closely, waiting for a chance to snatch eggs or chicks, making the bird cliffs a great place to spot them in action.

As the snow recedes, the plant life of Svalbard comes to life as well, creating an inviting environment for herbivores like the Svalbard reindeer. These animals, known for their short legs and thick fur, are frequently spotted grazing across the tundra. With few natural predators in Svalbard, the reindeer roam freely, often coming quite close to human settlements. Watching these resilient creatures feed in the vibrant summer landscape adds to the overall experience of June in Svalbard.

June offers a rich tapestry of wildlife experiences in Svalbard, where the land, sea, and sky are filled with unique Arctic species. From polar bears and seals to the thriving bird colonies and the determined Arctic foxes, the variety of animals present during this time makes it an ideal period for wildlife enthusiasts. The Midnight Sun ensures there’s no shortage of time to explore the wilderness, and the opportunity to witness the interactions between these animals in their natural habitat is truly one of the highlights of visiting Svalbard in the summer.