In an extraordinary display of maternal behavior within the Arctic’s apex predator, wildlife researchers have documented a female polar bear caring for an adopted cub alongside her own biological offspring. This unprecedented observation provides groundbreaking insights into the complex social structures of Ursus maritimus.
The rare case was captured through remote monitoring in the Svalbard archipelago, where scientists tracked the female bear’s movements over several weeks. The adopted cub, estimated to be approximately the same age as her biological cub, appears to have been fully accepted into the family unit. Researchers observed the mother providing equal access to food resources and protection from potential threats.
Dr. Alison Lane, lead researcher on the project, noted: ‘This represents one of the few scientifically verified cases of alloparenting in polar bears. The mother’s complete acceptance of an unrelated cub challenges our previous understanding of their maternal instincts and social flexibility.’
The phenomenon raises significant questions about the adaptive behaviors polar bears might employ in response to changing environmental conditions. As sea ice habitats diminish and polar bear populations face increasing pressure, such flexible social behaviors could become more critical for species survival.
While infanticide among male polar bears is well-documented, this contrasting behavior shows a previously undocumented capacity for nurturing beyond genetic relationships. The research team continues to monitor the family unit to study the long-term development of both cubs under the mother’s care.