Exactly. “Small town in rural Iceland” isn’t a place that’s likely to train and be equipped for things that haven’t happened anywhere in the country for 8 years, and so rarely in general. If it hadn’t been near people, they probably would have tried to leave it alone until they could get a way to relocate it.
Elsewhere: I’ve heard that in Svalbard, everyone who travels outside town is required to carry a rifle, just in case there’s an unavoidable and dangerous encounter with a polar bear.
@Michael_Jason_K In general, protected means you have to try your best not to disturb them or their habitat (details vary). But, the authorities will still prioritize protecting humans when they need to.
