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New Polar Bear Pals Getting Along Swimmingly

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New friends Walker and Arktos take a dip. (Image credit: Highland Wildlife Park.)

Two young male polar bears at a Scotland zoo have become fast friends, and keepers recently allowed the youngsters to become roommates.

The two bears, four-year-old Arktos and three-year-old Walker, were first introduced in early April.  Yet after only a month of hang time the furry pair couldn't bear to be parted, so zoo staff at Highland Wildlife Park allowed them to move into the same 5-acre enclosure.

Now the rambunctious boys pass their days playing together, and spend nights sleeping snuggled up close.

"They love nothing more than having a good wrestle, giving chase and also stealing each other’s meat at feeding time," Richardson said. "The boys tend to sleep quite close together in their enclosure at night, usually nose to nose or paw to paw."

The two bears won't reach an age where they typically long for female company for two or three more years. In order to introduce a female bear, the zoo would need to build an additional polar bear enclosure, according to a statement from zoo staff.

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Live Science Staff
Live Science Staff
For the science geek in everyone, Live Science offers a fascinating window into the natural and technological world, delivering comprehensive and compelling news and analysis on everything from dinosaur discoveries, archaeological finds and amazing animals to health, innovation and wearable technology. We aim to empower and inspire our readers with the tools needed to understand the world and appreciate its everyday awe.