Polar Bear Patrol from Russian Arctic share knowledge with Alaskans

For several years, increasing numbers of polar bears have been coming into towns in the Chukotka region, on the far north east coast of Russia. A local biologist believes this is because global warming has shrunk their sea ice habitat.

In response, Chukchi hunters worked with WWF to create the Umky, or Polar Bear Patrols, which watch for and intercept bears, using long sticks to drive the bears away, averting a more deadly conflict between bears and humans. Umky Patrols are also protecting walrus haulouts in the area, and are sharing their knowledge and local experience with adapting to the changes in the Arctic region, most recently on a visit by 3 members of the Umky Patrol to communities in Alaska ....