A video showing a polar bear with black spray paint on its fur has sparked outrage worldwide. 

The apex predator was filmed walking near a road in the Russian north. 

“T-34” can clearly be seen sprayed on its right side. 

It is believed to be a reference to the T-34 tank, which helped the Soviet Union defeat the Nazis in the Second World War. 

The man who uploaded the video, World Wildlife Fund worker Sergey Kavra, was dumbfounded by the scene. 

“Why?” he asked. 

“He won’t be able to hunt unnoticed,” Kavra added. 

Polar bears rely on their white fur to sneak up on prey. 

Kavra said that, as a consequence, the bear will either die or put people in danger. 

He could now enter villages looking for food, Kavra explained. 

The polar bear’s plight has received global attention, with scientists and members of the public expressing confusion and sadness across social media. 

It is believed the bear must have been sedated before being sprayed.