Remote camera setups have given us a glimpse into the lives of polar bear mothers and their cubs, as the mums try to protect her vulnerable young until they reach adulthood.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) shared some sweet footage of a cuddle puddle of baby polar bears snuggled up to mum, clambering over her head and skidding down the hill as they chase after her – many parents will probably relate to the cute but chaotic antics involved in raising little ones.
The video is part of a groundbreaking research project from SDZWA, Polar Bears International, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and the University of Toronto.
"By using innovative technologies, scientists are building a stronger foundation for polar bear conservation around the world that will help minimise conflict between wildlife and climate-driven impacts across the Arctic,” says SDZWA.
Less than half of cubs don’t make it to adulthood and the species is increasingly threatened by human activities expanding in the Arctic.
“Polar bear mothers are having increasing difficulties reproducing due to climate-driven changes, and are likely to face further challenges with the expansion of the human footprint in the Arctic,” says Dr. Louise Archer, Polar Bears International Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough.
“Every den we monitored had its own story, every data point adds to our understanding of this crucial time and supports more effective conservation strategies.”
Main image an video: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and Polar Bears International
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