Solar eclipse: Stunning images of the phenomenon from around the world
Show all 12
No one else was injured in the attack, which happened north of the main town of Longyearbyen.
Svalbard lies in the Arctic Ocean, promising spectacular views of the total eclipse on Friday morning.
Hotels and other lodgings have been sold out for years ahead of the rare astronomical event and visitors resorting to camping in the freezing cold have been warned of the dangers posed by roaming polar bears.
Authorities say that when moving outside of settlements, people must carry guns to protect themselves.
Thursday’s attack was the latest in a series of polar bear attacks on humans, thought to be caused by hungry animals searching for food or ones feeling threatened by people in their territory.
In August 2011, an emaciated polar bear attacked a party of schoolchildren camping on Svalbard with the British Schools Exploring Society, killing 17-year-old Horatio Chapple, a pupil of Eton College.
Additional reporting by agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies