The sight of polar bears playing in the snow is usually guaranteed to bring smiles.

But it is a terrifying sight for residents of an island town in Russia because the bears have invaded their town.

As many as 50 polar bears have been terrorising local on Novaya Zemlya, a group of islands off Russia’ northern coast.

Locals are afraid to go outside and parents are scared to send their children to school.

A state of emergency has been declared as authorities work out how to tackle the problem.

Polar bears are considered endangered in Russia and shooting them is illegal.

The melting of Arctic ice is being blamed for pushing the animals closer to populated areas in search of food.