Researchers witness rare polar bear adoption, capturing video of female caring for cub that was not her own
Updated on: December 17, 2025 / 7:00 AM EST / CBS/AFP
TL;DR
- A rare case of polar bear adoption was observed and filmed by researchers in northern Canada.
- The footage shows a female polar bear caring for a cub that is not her own, alongside her original cub.
- Cub adoption in polar bears is a rare phenomenon, with only 13 documented cases in the study population over 45 years.
- The observation occurred during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
- The adopted cub lacked an ear tag, differentiating it from the mother's biological offspring.
- Both cubs are approximately 10-11 months old and are expected to stay with the mother until about 2.5 years of age.
- Scientists believe this adoption provides the orphaned cub a better chance of survival into adulthood.
- Polar bears are listed as a vulnerable species, with sea ice loss due to climate change being their primary threat.