'T-34' spray-painted on polar bear in Russia

A polar bear in Russia has been spray-painted with 'T-34' in black on its sides.

A polar bear in Arctic Russia has been spray-painted with 'T-34' in black on its sides.

Footage of the animal is making the rounds on social media and has alarmed experts in the country.

'T-34' was the name of a Soviet tank that played a crucial in defeating Nazi Germany in World War Two.

An investigation is underway to determine the origin of the video and the perpetrators.

Wildlife experts have explained that such stunts prevent the animal from blending in with its surroundings and hunting for food.

Russian media has speculated that the stunt may be a statement made by angry locals frustrated by the rise in the number of polar bears entering communities in Arctic Russia.