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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.