Beginning of life

I have been working with polar bears for many years and seeing the mother and her cubs coming out of their den in March when it can be -40 degrees Celcius, it is one of the most amazing life experience I had. Every time I saw them, I was thinking, I can't believe it might be four to eight months the mother hasn't had a decent meal. During summer time, when the sea ice is retrieved, it became very difficult for polar bear to hunt seals, their main diet. In the fall, the female pregnant will build her maternity den where she will give birth to her cubs in December and nurse them until spring. So really, it is only in March or April that she will be able to go hunt again!

Observing the cubs climbing on their mother back reveal how much vulnerable they are at this period of their life. They are completely dependent of their mother for warmth and food. I have been interacting with polar bears in many different seasons and seeing them so fragile reminded me that even the strongest can struggle. It is also quite entertaining to watch them copying every move their mum does. You can also easily see different personalities of the cubs. Some are so adventurous and playful and others will just stick to their mum. Maybe after all, we are not so different!

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