Over 200 polar bears congregated on Russia’s Wrangel Island, creating a mesmerizing scene akin to grazing sheep, according to Captain Rodney Russ of Heritage Expeditions. The bears, drawn by the scent of a whale carcass, lingered along the Arctic Ocean shoreline until the feast concluded a day or two later. Captain Russ described it as an unforgettable experience, expressing, “There are no words to describe it.” Reports estimate at least 230 polar bears in the area, showcasing the island’s significance as a polar bear haven, hosting up to 400 dens during winter. Wrangel Island, dubbed the “Galapagos of the North,” witnesses increased polar bear visits in summers due to melting ice packs. This natural spectacle highlights the island’s unique ecological importance, once a habitat for woolly mammoths.
