Climate change is becoming more of an issue than ever. Polar bears are fleeing from their natural habitats due to melting ice caps.

According to CNN, that “Novaya Zemlya, located off Russia’s northeastern arctic coast, has been swarmed by dozens of polar bears since December. The region’s largest settlement, Belushya Guba, with a population of about 2,500 people, has reported more than 50 sightings.”

The local administrator Alexander Minayev stated these polar bears are entering people’s homes and attacking. It is said there is at least 10 polar bears in the settlement at any given time. This has caused parents of these towns to fear for their children’s lives, making them hesitate while taking them to school.

Due to the negative impact humans have on the environment, their sea-ice habitats are becoming unlivable and they are forced to be on land for much longer than they used to be. They are being killed more due to the fact they have been forced into residential areas and humans are scared of these large, occasionally aggressive creatures.

Another article states that “Governments and industry leaders in Arctic countries must take responsibility and support ways for their citizens and employees to live and work safely together with potentially dangerous animals like polar bears. People living and working in the region need education, training and the necessary tools to protect themselves when faced with a polar bear in their vicinity.” This means that those who spot a polar bear should not panic, but should leave them alone and call the necessary authorities.

Firearm licenses are not being issued to get rid of these polar bears. They believe that a team of experts can gather the polar bears without use of firearms. While shooting polar bears might be necessary in a life or death situation, it should not be anyone’s first option.

If you are to come in contact with a polar bear or a wild animal that has wandered into a residential area, it is only fair to give them space and give them the opportunity to leave. After all, they are probably just as scared as you are.