Researchers filmed a wild female polar bear near Churchill, Manitoba adopting a second cub during the Western Hudson Bay migration — a rare behavior documented 13 times in this study population over 45 years. The two cubs, about 10–11 months old, will likely remain with the mother until roughly 2.5 years, improving the adopted cub's survival prospects. Conservation groups note the species remains Vulnerable, with sea ice loss from climate change the greatest long-term threat.
Rare Polar Bear Adoption Filmed During Hudson Bay Migration Near Churchill
Researchers in northern Canada have captured rare footage of a wild female polar bear caring for a cub that is not her own during the annual migration along Western Hudson Bay near Churchill, Manitoba.
Field Observations
Scientists first encountered the female in spring as she left her maternity den with a single ear-tagged cub. When the research team returned weeks later they found the same female accompanied by a second, untagged cub. "Cub adoption is relatively rare in polar bears. We've documented 13 cases in our study population over the last 45 years," said Evan Richardson of Canada's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
What the Video Shows
Video recorded by the field team shows two 10–11 month-old cubs moving across a snow-covered landscape while the female follows, including sequences where one cub hurries to catch up. Both cubs are expected to remain with the mother until about 2.5 years of age — a crucial period for learning hunting and survival skills.
Why This Matters
Having a maternal caregiver substantially increases a cub's chances of surviving to adulthood, Richardson said. Researchers do not yet know the fate of the adopted cub's biological mother. Alysa McCall, a staff scientist with Polar Bears International, described the adoption as encouraging: "It's just another reason why this species is so incredible... it gives you a lot of hope when you realize that polar bears may be looking out for each other out there."
Conservation Context
There are an estimated 26,000 polar bears worldwide, according to Polar Bears International. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists polar bears as Vulnerable and identifies sea ice loss from climate change as the primary threat to their survival.
Comparative Notes From Other Species
Researchers caution that nonmaternal care is not always beneficial: earlier this year, video from Panama initially suggested capuchin monkeys were adopting howler infants, but later analysis indicated the behavior was a risky social fad among juvenile capuchins and many of the howler babies did not survive. Scientists say context matters and each case needs careful study.
Who Was Involved: Canada's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change researchers and Polar Bears International. Footage was taken near Churchill during the Western Hudson Bay migration.
