20 Polar bears have invaded a Russian village

World
Europe

Around 20 of the fearsome polar bears have surrounded in a Russian village in the coastal area of Ryrkaypiy, Russia, with one polar cub even trying to enter a house through the window.

Polar bears in the Russian far eastern region of Chukotka. /Siberian Times Photo

The polar bears were attracted by a walrus rookery in a special protection zone in Russia's far eastern region of Chukotka. These one tonne predators are thought to have forced hundreds of frightened walruses to jump off 125-foot high cliffs to their deaths before feasting on the carcasses. Now other walruses have migrated away and the polar bears are encircling the village.

“Around 20 polar bears remain practically next to the village,” said the head of WWF project Polar Bear Patrol, Viktor Nikiforov.

The village, which has a population of 601, is close to the walrus rookery, meaning local residents were scared to leave their house.

“There is enough food for them from the many walruses, but several young bears approach the houses out of curiosity.”

“Three days ago, a bear squeezed in a window and tried to get inside. It's clear that people are frightened.” Locals are patrolling and scaring the polar bears away from homes when they approach, he said.