Polar foxes make winter home at airport

Warm winter weather has interrupted the migration patterns of some of Russia's arctic animals. Rather than completing their annual journey south, one pack of polar foxes decided to make an early stop-off at an airport in the city of Narian Mar.

Locals first noticed the animals around the New Year holiday. There were just two or three of them then, but now their number has swelled to a dozen.

Dodging airport security, the Narian Mar airfield has become their home for the winter. And it seems they're very welcome guests.

Polar foxes head south during the coldest winter months. They follow the deer herds in search of prey such as quail and lemmings as well as fresh water.

But the airport dozen haven't gone as far this winter. Their migration patterns have been interrupted and experts say it's all down to the weather.

Specialists expect the foxes to stay at the airport until April before their instincts take them north again.