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Polar Bears Turn Abandoned Research Station into Their New Home
16 Oct
Summary
- Polar bears occupy former Soviet research station on Kolyuchin Island
- Photographer captures drone footage of bears wandering in and out of the facility
- Lack of ice likely draws bears together, usually solitary animals
In a surprising turn of events, a group of polar bears has made an abandoned research station on Kolyuchin Island, Russia, their new home. The former Soviet-era facility has stood empty since the 1990s, but it is now teeming with furry residents.
Photographer Vadim Makhorov recently captured drone footage of the bears wandering in and out of the buildings, treating the station like their own bear suburb. The footage shows the polar bears basking in the sunlight, resting on porches, and even looking out of the windows.
The lack of ice in the area surrounding the island is likely what has drawn the bears together. Polar bears are usually solitary animals, but they have congregated at the research station to hide and search for food. Once the ice returns, the large group is expected to disperse.
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As Makhorov noted, "Polar bears love to occupy houses," and this is not an isolated incident. Any polar base with open doors runs the risk of acquiring new furry inhabitants, especially as the effects of climate change continue to impact their natural habitat.
