In a fascinating display of nature reclaiming its space, polar bears have been observed making themselves at home within the deserted structures of a Soviet-era research station. Located on Kolyuchin Island in Russia, the station, which was abandoned in the early 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union, has now become an unexpected sanctuary for these formidable Arctic predators.
Drone footage captured by travel blogger Vadim Makhorov offers an intimate glimpse into this unique situation. The video shows several polar bears casually moving through the scattered buildings, peering out of windows, and exploring the island’s landscape. In one striking moment, a curious bear even attempts to interact with the drone, highlighting the bears’ adaptation to this unusual environment.
This remarkable sight serves as a powerful reminder of how wildlife can adapt and find new ways to thrive, even in places once dominated by human presence.
















