<p><br /> Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin fired darts from a crossbow at a whale off Russia's Far Eastern coast.<br /> </p><p><br /> Putin held his balance in a rubber boat that was being tossed around in choppy waters off the Kamchatka Peninsula, and eventually hit the whale with a special arrow designed to collect skin samples, or biopsies.<br /> </p><p><br /> "I hit it at the fourth try!" a beaming Putin, kitted out in black-and-orange waterproof suit and black beanie, yelled to a camera crew from the boat.<br /> </p><p><br /> A biologist with him displayed the skin sample and said it would allow experts to determine where the whale comes from.<br /> </p><p><br /> When the boat skidded onto the beach, Putin hopped off and made a beeline for waiting reporters. Clearly in his element, Putin replied jovially to a question as to whether the endeavour was dangerous.<br /> </p><p><br /> "Living in general is dangerous," he quipped. Asked why he got involved, he simply said, "Because I like it. I love the nature."<br /> </p>
