Extract from ABC News
A group of polar bears now occupy a deserted research station in the Arctic.
In short:
Drone footage shows polar bears inhabiting an abandoned Soviet-era weather station off Russia.
Scientists left the research station, which is in an abandoned village, soon after the Soviet Union's collapse over three decades ago.
What's next?
Scientists say polar bears are spending more time on land due to climate change.
Polar bears have taken over an abandoned Soviet polar research station on a small island off Russia's far north-eastern coast.
Vadim Makhorov, a travel blogger, used a drone to film the bears roaming in and out of the facility's scattered buildings in the late summer Arctic sun this month on Kolyuchin Island in the Chukchi Sea.
One snapped at the drone as it approached, while others playfully poked their heads out of the buildings as they were filmed.
"I think they see these houses as shelter from the wind, rain and other things," Mr Makhorov said.
A polar bear living in the abandoned Soviet-era research station in Russia. (Reuters: Supplied/@makhorov on Instagram)
Scientists left the research station, which is in an abandoned village, soon after the Soviet Union's collapse over three decades ago.
Mr Makhorov said more than 20 bears are active on the island itself.
Polar bears mostly live alone, but they are not inherently antisocial.
When they are not competing for food or for sexual partners, they can show their sociable side, researchers say.
The research station is based on Kolyuchin Island in the Chukchi Sea, in Russia's far north-east. (Reuters: Supplied/@makhorov on Instagram)
When there is not enough ice, the bears migrate further north in the summer and gather on land to search for food.
Mr Makhorov said a few years ago, a whale carcass attracted more than 200 polar bears.
"Everybody ate, no-one disturbed anyone."
Polar bears together in an abandoned building. (Reuters: Supplied/@makhorov on Instagram)
Scientists say polar bears are spending more time on land as sea ice continues to melt due to climate change.
Over the years, polar bears have wandered into inhabited towns or villages.
To prevent this from happening, people put bars with spikes on the windows, or put "bear slippers" — boards with nails — in front of the door.
More than 20 bears are active on the island. (Reuters: Supplied/@makhorov on Instagram)
The Arctic predators are no strangers to the feeling of comfort and cosiness, Mr Makhorov wrote on Instagram.
"In sunny weather, you [polar bears] can lie on your belly in the yard."
The Kolyuchin Island in the Chukchi Sea. (Reuters: Supplied/@makhorov on Instagram)
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Russian Arctic is host to four polar bear sub-populations, each named after the seas they inhabit: Barents, Kara, Laptev and Chukchi.
ABC/Reuters
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