Polar Bear Encounter by Laptev Sea, Russia

Polar Bear Encounter by Laptev Sea, Russia

The polar bear slowly approached the walruses, who bundled together. Young calves and mothers went straight into the water, while the large males barely moved. But they did keep an eye on the bear.

Polar Bear Encounter by Laptev Sea, Russia

The bear tried to get between the water’s edge and the walruses, but failed. So it used another strategy: lie in wait. The bear lay down by the water and pretended to be asleep, hoping a small calf would come up on the beach.

Polar Bear Encounter by Laptev Sea, Russia

Polar Bear Encounter by Laptev Sea, Russia

Although polar bears mainly eat seals, they will prey on walruses. This is certainly not an easy feat, particularly since walruses stick together in herds. However, polar bears have been known to take advantage of herd behavior by scaring them into a stampede, leaving behind injured and therefore easy-access prey.