World’s Bravest Dog Routes a Polar Bear During Its Visit to Remote Russian Arctic Station

Quick Take

• Polar bears are widely considered the most aggressive bear species, so it raises the question of what could possibly send one running.
• Despite their fearsome reputation, polar bears are curious creatures. Not all curiosity is rewarded, however.

Polar bears win hearts whenever and however they appear—even though they have a reputation for being the most aggressive bear species. Regardless, there is at least one animal in the kingdom that is not endeared to or fearful of the white bear, despite the reputation.

In April 2018, a video appeared online of a very close and sweet encounter between a polar bear and a Russian Arctic station worker on the remote island of Stolbovoy. A third party, however, was having none of it.

The video begins with the polar bear’s exhibiting run-of-the-mill curiosity. It is standing on its hind legs and using its paws to balance on the deck of a cabin as it nudges its muzzle toward the outstretched hand of the station worker. After a few sniffs of the hand, the polar bear jumps back to all fours.

No matter how innocent a polar bear’s curiosity may seem, it is never recommended or prudent to allow a polar bear to sniff your hand.

Then, the video cuts to the bear walking along a wooden deck. The station worker can be heard talking, in Russian, to the polar bear. He affectionately calls the bear, “Mishka,” Russian for “little bear” or “bear cub.” The name is often used as a term of endearment. The station worker even comments on how “cute” its paws are.

The man asks the polar bear, “Why do you come so close? Stop bullying our territory.” In response, the polar bear stands up against the structure, sniffing toward the station worker, who is amazed at how close he is to this magnificent creature.

The video cuts again to the polar bear running off in response to the one creature on the island that was not amused by its presence: a dog.

Comments under the video suggest that the dog is a Karelian bear dog. According to the American Kennel Club, this Finnish breed was “[b]red to hunt large, aggressive game by himself.” And by himself, he did.

The dog runs toward the polar bear while barking. Once the bear recedes, the dog circles back to the station worker, tail-wagging and expecting a well-deserved, “good boy!” for his bravery.