Mama Bears and Their Cubs

   Image: Marina Cano

There's a good reason why mothers often say they're going to pull a "mama bear" on someone or something hurting their children. The fact is, mother bears of all species sacrifice for and strive to teach their young with a ferocious intensity. Polar bear mothers, for instance, will protect and defend their cubs to the point of risking their own lives. The mother polar bear works hard to help the cubs survive in the unforgiving environment of their habitat. She leads her cubs to sea ice for the first time often with the cubs on her back through deep snow. Travel is slow with frequent stops for rest and nursing. For approximately 30 months, the mother will teach the cubs to hunt and stalk prey, as well as to swim and navigate through the often harsh conditions.

See more pictures of mama bears and their cubs here.  

   Image: Sergei Gladyshev

    Image: trolljenta


Image: Anton Belovodchenko

    Image: Sergei Gladyshev