Polar bears take over an abandoned weather station in Russia; see pictures | Globalism
2 min read
An abandoned weather station on Koliutchin Island in the Chukotki Sea has become a home and playground for curious polar bears. Stunning wildlife photos posted by a Russian photographer Dimitri Koch.
A picture of a polar bear in a window, entitled Season of Dacha, recently won the title of best wildlife picture in an anthropogenic environment, in a competition organized by “National Geographic” magazine.
A polar bear in a window at the former Russian Meteorological Center – Photo: Courtesy of Dmitriy Koch
Kolyutchin Island is located in the northeast RussiaIn the Chukotka region. The closest human settlement is located a little over 14 kilometers from the sea, but the sea around the island is covered with ice for about nine months of the year.
There are currently no residential villages on Koliutchin Island, although archaeologists have discovered that these places were inhabited 1,500 years ago.
Polar bear in front of an abandoned polar weather station – Photo: Courtesy of Dimitri Koch
In 1934, Soviet scientists built a polar station for the Northern Sea Route in this area. The base operated until 1992, then the island was abandoned.
Now, this abandoned station and the wooden houses of polar explorers are the main attractions of the island.
A polar bear at a Russian station in the Arctic – Photo: Courtesy of Dmitriy Koch
After the season is over, animals and birds have regained their natural habitat. They are sometimes visited by scientists or researchers, as well as occasional tourists.
In addition to polar bears, walruses and various types of arctic birds also live in the area.
Visitors commented on social media: “People come and go, but monsters will always live here.”
Bear in front of an abandoned Russian weather station – Photo: Courtesy of Dmitriy Koch
“Devoted food specialist. General alcohol fanatic. Amateur explorer. Infuriatingly humble social media scholar. Analyst.”
