Svalbard: Most Spotted Animals in May

May in Svalbard signals the arrival of the Midnight Sun, bringing continuous daylight and further increasing the chances of spotting the archipelago's incredible wildlife. As the snow and ice begin to melt, the landscape starts to transform, and with it, a greater variety of animals can be seen throughout the region. Polar bears remain a dominant presence, though they begin moving more frequently as the ice recedes. Sightings of them hunting seals or roaming across the diminishing ice are still possible, especially in the more remote northern areas.

One of the standout wildlife spectacles in May is the return of migratory birds. Large colonies of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and kittiwakes, arrive in Svalbard to breed. These birds nest on steep cliffs and provide a captivating sight for visitors, with their loud calls filling the air. Arctic foxes, opportunistic hunters, can often be seen lurking near these colonies, waiting for a chance to snatch an egg or young chick. Svalbard reindeer are also increasingly visible as they graze on the emerging vegetation, making May an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts to witness the beginning of the Arctic summer.