“This cheeky polar bear tried to hitch a lift off an unsuspecting driver by clambering into the back of his pick-up truck. The curious creature spent about half an hour inspecting the vehicle and its owner before casually trying to climb aboard. However, the truck must not have been up to scratch because the 7ft bear, weighing approximately 300lbs, promptly jumped back out and sauntered off.

This amazing sequence of events took place Barter Island in the eastern Alaskan Arctic and according photographer Steve Kazlowski, who has been photographing polar bears for the last 15 years, this kind of behaviour is not that unusual. Polar bears are a threatened species and one of the main risks for them in the Alaskan arctic is the loss of sea ice as a habitat”. – Barcroft Media

“Awright mate, any chance of a lift to the North Pole?” (Photo by Steven Kazlowski/Barcroft Media)

“You're not going that way? Why not? I need to get there”. (Photo by Steven Kazlowski/Barcroft Media)

“Look, I am going to sit here until you open the door...” (Photo by Steven Kazlowski/Barcroft Media)

“On second thoughts, I could actually do with a walk. See you later!” (Photo by Steven Kazlowski/Barcroft Media)