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Polar bears discovered living on Arctic iceberg
Sanctuary found to escape hunters during summer

A previously unknown polar bear sanctuary has been found in the Arctic by the BBC during the filming of its Operation Iceberg programme.

There was an estimated 20 bears seen on the Peterman Iceberg in Baffin Bay, 50km off the Canadian coast, which contradicts knowledge that all polar bears return to land during the summer months when the sea ice has melted.

It was previously thought that these polar bears moved to Baffin Island, when actually, some spend the summer months surviving on large tabular icebergs off the coast.

Presenter Chris Packham said: "What's there for them is security, and I think they are taking advantage of that. So I think they are living on this iceberg to stay safe, and just wait for the sea ice to come back in."

This is said to be the first time that the bears have been known to live in large numbers on a tabular iceberg out at sea.

The icebergs are thought to provide a sanctuary from human hunting.

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.