Summary
A mother polar bear in northern Canada has been observed adopting a cub that is not her biological offspring. This is a rare event, as such adoptions have only been recorded 13 times out of 4,600 polar bears studied in the area over nearly fifty years.
Key Facts
- A mother polar bear adopted a cub that is not biologically hers in northern Canada.
- This event was observed during the annual polar bear migration near Churchill, Manitoba.
- The mother bear originally emerged with one cub from her maternity den but was later seen with two cubs.
- Scientists are trying to identify the new cub's biological mother using genetic samples.
- Such adoptions are rare, with only 13 recorded cases out of 4,600 bears studied over decades.
- The adoption could benefit polar bears, as having additional care may improve cubs' survival chances.
- Polar bear cubs typically have a 50% chance of survival to adulthood.
- The cubs are expected to stay with their adoptive mother until they are about two-and-a-half years old.
