Russian Scientists Trapped by Polar Bears in the Arctic

A group of Russian climate researchers stationed at a research facility on Troynoy Island in the Arctic made an unusual announcement this week: their station, they say, is under siege by polar bears.

The five researchers report that ten adult polar bears, along with several cubs, are continuously circling their base, making it dangerous to leave the station premises. At least one of the dogs accompanying the researchers has been attacked by the bears.

The researchers complain that the presence of the bears is preventing them from conducting the meteorological observations they were sent to the station for. Although they have weapons, they cannot shoot the bears, as Russian law prohibits the killing of polar bears, which are an endangered species. The head of the organization managing the Arctic weather stations has stated that a ship with equipment and aid for the researchers is on its way, but it will not reach them for another month. The ship is expected to contain various means intended to deter the animals.

This is not the first time polar bears have disrupted research operations in the Arctic. Last year, another Arctic weather station was surrounded by five particularly hungry bears, intimidating anyone trying to leave the station. "They were not even deterred by fireworks," reported the researchers at the time.

Why are these bears attracted to human outposts in the Arctic? One reason is the waste that accumulates at these sites, as it is difficult to dispose of. However, climate change is also a contributing factor. Melting ice and changes in the populations of animals that are traditional prey for polar bears are making them more desperate in their search for food.

Fortunately, there is an end in sight to this siege, officials in Russia say. "We believe the bears will leave the researchers alone by the end of October, when the water near the island's shore freezes over." Until then, the Russian researchers will have to cope with living under a bear siege.