The article stated that the climate was similar to what it is today. In that case, one would think that the fur/hair would have been a distinct survival advantage. Why would it lose it's fur in a cold climate? I really don't know much about continental drift and if it was connected, although it does make sense. Any creature not intelligent enough to use fire or make clothes, certainly couldn't have made a boat and sailed across the English Channel.
I'mnot sure the English Channel existed then.
The entire North Sea was at one time dry land or low-lying swamp.
Climate does change. Also, there are hairy monkeys in Japan who live in an area which has snow in winter. They're called Japanese Macaques.