Thank you very much for supporting the project “Let’s Save Polar Bears in Chukotka”!

The symbol of the Arctic - the polar bear - is a rare predator listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. It is protected by international and national legislation; it is prohibited to shoot these animals.

Since the early 2000s, there has been an increase in the number and frequency of encounters between humans and polar bears. Due to climate change, the polar bear’s usual habitat – ice – is rapidly being destroyed and he is forced to spend more time on land, where he encounters humans more often.

Ignorance of the behavioral characteristics of the predator and incorrect human reaction to its appearance can lead to conflict and end in the injury or death of one of them. Therefore, in some Arctic villages there are “Bear Patrols” - groups of volunteers whose task is to do everything possible to save the lives of both humans and polar bears. The patrol tries to drive away the polar bear on the approach to places of human presence and promptly informs local residents about the appearance of the predator.

We will support 2 experienced Bear Patrol teams in the villages most often visited by polar bears - Ryrkaipiy and s. Billings in Chukotka.