Two polar bears attacked and killed a worker at a remote radar station in the Canadian Arctic, the facility’s operator said.
The attack happened Thursday at one of Nasittuq Corporation’s work locations on Brevoort Island, Nunavut. The company did not release the victim’s name.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and colleagues affected by this loss,” the company said in a statement. “Nasittuq Corporation is providing support to the family of the deceased during this difficult time. Additionally, we are offering counseling services to all employees affected by this.”
Polar bear attacks are extremely rare. Nasittuq said it was working closely with local authorities and regulatory agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack.
It wasn’t immediately clear if the bears had been caught. NBC News reached out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for more information.
Canada has a polar bear population of more than 17,000, which is about two-thirds of the estimated global total, according to the country’s government. They are managed and protected through federal, provincial and territorial wildlife acts.
Thursday’s incident comes a year after a mother and her 1-year-old son were attacked and killed in Alaska. The state Public Safety Department said the bear went on a rampage in the small community of Wales. A resident shot and killed the bear as it attacked Summer Myomick, 24, and her son, Clyde Ongtowasruk.