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Headline: RAW VIDEO: Scientists Observe Polar Bear Cubs Emerging From Dens For First Time Ever
Caption: Researchers have revealed astonishing new insights into the lives of polar bear cubs by studying them as they emerge from their dens. The scientists’ study includes the first detailed footage of polar bear cubs emerging from their dens in Svalbard, Norway, following nearly a decade of remote camera monitoring. The study, published Thursday (27February2025) in the Journal of Wildlife Management to coincide with International Polar Bear Day, combines satellite tracking collars with remote cameras to uncover new insights into polar bear denning – a period crucial to cub survival. Led by Polar Bears International, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the Norwegian Polar Institute, and the University of Toronto Scarborough, the research sheds light on the timing of den emergence, maternal behaviour, and the impact of human activity on these vulnerable animals. The research found that polar bear families in Svalbard typically emerged from their dens around 9 March – earlier than previously recorded. Further monitoring is required to determine if this is an ongoing trend. Earlier emergence may threaten cub survival by reducing the time cubs have to develop before leaving for the sea ice. Footage showed bears emerging for varying durations – from less than a minute to several hours. On average, polar bear families stayed near their dens for 12 days before departing, though this varied from 2 to 31 days. Some mothers were observed leaving their original dens and relocating their cubs to new sites. The Cubs were highly dependent on their mothers, venturing outside alone only 5% of the time. In Svalbard, cubs typically remain with their mothers for up to 2.5 years. Dr Louise Archer, the study’s lead author and a Polar Bears International Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough, highlighted the challenges polar bear mothers face due to climate change and increasing human activity. “Polar bear mothers are having increasing difficulties reproducing due to climate-driven changes and are likely to face further challenges with the expansion of the human footprint in the Arctic,” she said. “We’re excited to introduce new tools to monitor bears during this vulnerable time and to gain insight into their behaviour across the Arctic, so that we can work to protect cubs and therefore the species. Every den we monitored had its own story, and every data point adds to our understanding of this crucial time and supports more effective conservation strategies.” The researchers combined satellite collar data with time-lapse photography to track denning behaviour, creating new tools to monitor polar bears across the Arctic and improve wildlife management. This technology aims to reduce potential conflicts between polar bear habitats and human activity. Dr Megan Owen, Vice President of Wildlife Conservation Science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said the findings provide a vital understanding of polar bear conservation in a rapidly changing Arctic. “This study provides a rare glimpse into one of the most vulnerable and critical periods in a polar bear’s life, offering insights that can help guide our collective conservation efforts,” she said. “Protecting denning habitats is essential for population health, and this study provides invaluable insights that will help guide protective management.” The study underscores the urgency of protecting polar bear denning sites to ensure the survival of future generations, as rising temperatures and human encroachment continue to threaten Arctic wildlife.
Keywords: polar bears,feature,animals,arctic,nature,natural world,photo,video
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