Photography

Photos: When the Polar Bears Move In

The photographer Vadim Makhorov, while recently cruising on the Chukchi Sea, noticed a group of polar bears that were taking shelter inside an abandoned research station on Russia’s remote Kolyuchin Island.

By Alan Taylor
A polar bear sits on grassy ground in front of an abandoned house-sized research station.
Vadim Makhorov / AP
A polar bear rests in front of an abandoned research station on Kolyuchin Island, in the country’s Far East, off Chukotka, Russia, on September 14, 2025.
At least two polar bears stand on the porch of an abandoned research station that resembles a house.
Vadim Makhorov / AP
Polar bears stand on the porch of an abandoned research station on Russia’s Kolyuchin Island, on September 14, 2025.
An aerial view of a cluster of small abandoned buildings on a treeless island with a steep cliff shoreline
Vadim Makhorov / AP
An aerial view of the abandoned research station on Kolyuchin Island.
Four polar bears stand and sit together on a porch and inside the open door of an abandoned building.
Vadim Makhorov / AP
Polar bears gather inside part of the abandoned research station.
A polar bear peers out a window of an abandoned structure.
Vadim Makhorov / AP
A polar bear peers out from one of the abandoned structures on Kolyuchin Island, on September 18, 2025.
An aerial view of a group of small abandoned structures on a treeless island with steep cliff shorelines
Vadim Makhorov / AP
An aerial view of the abandoned research facility on Kolyuchin Island, seen on September 14, 2025.
A polar bear at rest, among rocks and grass
Vadim Makhorov / AP
A polar bear rests near the abandoned structures, on September 18, 2025.
A polar bear yawns on the porch of an abandoned building.
Vadim Makhorov / AP
A polar bear yawns on the porch of one of the abandoned buildings, on September 18, 2025.
Polar bears rest and walk around a decaying structure.
Vadim Makhorov / AP
Polar bears rest and walk around a decaying structure on Kolyuchin Island, on September 18, 2025.
A pair of polar bears stand on the porch of an abandoned building.
Vadim Makhorov / AP
Two of the bears gather on a porch, seen on September 14, 2025.

About the Author

Alan Taylor is a senior editor at The Atlantic.
Explore More Topics