Clash In The Arctic: Polar Bear Play Fight

By Mark Hodge @mrhodgey

A PAIR of adolescent polar bears clash in a dramatic display of play fighting

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Standing to attention: Two bears approach each other on a crisp day in the arctic

Shot in 2013, these stunning pictures were taken by South African snapper Andrew Schoeman, 42, who was leading a photography tour across the Arctic Plains of Svalbard.

Bear hug: The two beasts lock horns in a playful exchange

The two playful beasts both stood upright and had a brief exchange which mesmerised Andrew's group.

Strictly Bear Dancing: The bears meet in a brief yet beautiful display of play fighting

The 42-year-old, who has been taking wildlife pictures for 15 years, leads tours across the world teaching people how to photograph animals.

The group were delighted to see the exchange between two incredible animals

He said: “To see the bears interact was a great experience and although it was brief it's always amazing to see the interaction of big predators.

Play thing: The bears exchange pleasantries before carrying on with their days

“To see a polar bear alone is great but to see two together was a wonderful experience.

I ain't missing you at all: Following the brief exchange, the animals went their separate ways

“The bears were both young and they have recently left their mom, they briefly interacted with each other in a playful manner.

“After this short encounter each bear went their separate ways and there was no more interaction.”