Watch: Female polar bear adopts cub, showing remarkable maternal care

Scientists Witness Female Polar Bear Adopting Cub (Image: AP)

Canadian scientists say a female polar bear has adopted a cub, a rare display of behaviour that highlights surprising social interactions among Arctic predators. The event was documented in western Hudson Bay.

Rare adoption observed in western Hudson Bay

Researchers from Polar Bears International said the female, tagged X33991, was initially collared in spring with one cub. Last month, she was seen with two cubs of similar age. Experts confirmed it as an exceptionally rare case of adoption.

“Female polar bears are naturally inclined to care for their young,” said Evan Richardson, Environment and Climate Change Canada scientist. He added that females often take in orphaned cubs they encounter along the coast. Richardson described the behaviour as curious and remarkable.

The adopted cub and its sibling are believed to be ten or eleven months old. GPS tracking shows all three bears are already on the sea ice. Researchers noted the cubs appear healthy and well-nourished.

Why polar bear adoptions are unusual

Adoptions in this population are extremely rare. Only thirteen cases have been documented among 4,600 studied over the past forty-five years. Alysa McCall of Polar Bears International called the event “amazing” to witness. She said polar bear adoptions remain poorly understood.

Cubs depend on their mother to catch seals and provide nourishment. They gradually learn essential survival skills in a harsh environment. Winters bring long hunting periods, while summers often mean months without food. Half of all cubs fail to reach adulthood, making maternal care crucial.

What scientists hope to learn next

Researchers plan to study genetic samples from the adopted cub. They want to determine if its biological mother is still alive. In previous cases, “litter switching” has sometimes occurred rather than orphaning.

McCall said the adoption reinforces the species’ complexity and adaptability. “It gives hope to see polar bears supporting each other,” she added. Scientists will continue monitoring the bears’ movements and interactions for further insights into their behaviour and survival strategies.