Wrangel Island

Wrangel Island, island belonging to Russia and located in the Arctic Ocean, about 90 miles north of Siberia. Whalers from the United States discovered the uninhabited island in 1867. Despite the claims of the United States and Canada, the USSR sent settlers there in 1926. The land is icy and barren during most of the year. Polar bears, walruses, and birds can be found there. It is inhabited by about 50 people who fish and hunt for a living.