A polar bear has been shot dead after it attacked a guard from a cruise ship in the North Pole.
According to reports in Norway, the polar bear was shot after it attacked the guard when a group of tourists were about to disembark from the cruise liner on the island of Svalbard archipelago, which is located between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
Although no tourists were injured in the attack, it is understood the polar bear was shot by fellow tour guide after it attacked the guard who was first off the ship.
According to the German Hapag Lloyd Cruises company, the killing of the polar bear was an act of self defence.
The company also confirmed that the guard is receiving treatment at a hospital on Spitsbergen Island.