Contrary to its depictions in Christmas cartoons, the world’s largest bear (and its largest land carnivore) has an unpredictable streak that can be lethal – even to members of its own species. Polar bears have been known to exhibit cannibalistic behaviour, exacerbated by the climate crisis affecting the availability of their usual prey and the dwindling sea ice they call home.

These apex predators can hunt and attack humans unprovoked, especially if they’re starving adult males or mothers with cubs. Thankfully, run-ins between people and polar bears aren’t common in Europe as they can only be found in remote Arctic Norway, Russia and Greenland.

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Europe's most intimidating animals, ranked