While polar bears may not be as ferocious as commonly perceived, it is still prudent to maintain a safe distance from them. Fortunately, a team of biologists has managed to capture rare footage of cubs taking their first steps outside their birth dens, providing a unique glimpse into their early lives.

Traditionally, polar bear denning has been studied using satellite telemetry, which, although useful, has limitations when it comes to understanding the intricacies of their behavior. However, this new research involved a team of biologists tracking the bears via collars and satellites, while also installing cameras in a remote region of Norway. The result is a rare, firsthand look at adorable bear cubs taking their first steps into the world.

Polar bears are currently classified as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, with approximately 26,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Unfortunately, this number could decline by up to 30% by 2050 due to human-made threats. According to Polar Bear International, climate change, commercial activity, and pollution are major contributors to the decline, and can have devastating effects on the bears even if they do not directly cause death.

To conduct this research, the biologists placed cameras outside 13 known polar bear den sites in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago located at the intersection of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. They tracked the bears each year between 2016 and 2020, and again in 2023, capturing between 4,700 and 37,000 photos per den site. This extensive dataset enabled the team to create fascinating time-lapse footage of the cubs’ early lives.

Alongside the images, the team published an associated study on February 27 in the Journal of Wildlife Management, which coincided with International Polar Bear Day.

During their research, the team observed some concerning trends. The average date for bear families to emerge from their dens was March 9, a week or two earlier than previously reported. This could have negative implications, as maternal denning is crucial for the proper development and survival of the cubs. Even for a species that can grow to over 900 pounds, early life is precarious, and fewer than 50% of cubs make it to adulthood. After emerging from their dens, mother bears and their cubs typically remain close for several weeks, allowing the cubs to adjust to the outside world and develop essential skills.

The biologists acknowledged that this trend might be an anomaly, but emphasized the need for continued monitoring to ensure the well-being of the polar bear population.

Other observations were more intriguing, revealing that some mother bears were quite particular about their dens and would move their cubs from one den to another. The bears also exhibited a tendency to be finicky about when they emerged from their dens, with some individuals venturing out only to quickly return due to the cold.

Louise Archer, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto Scarborough and co-author of the study, expressed her hope that the research would raise awareness about the human-made threats faced by polar bears. “Polar bear mothers are facing increasing difficulties reproducing due to climate-driven changes and are likely to encounter further challenges with the expansion of human activity in the Arctic,” she said. “We’re excited to introduce new tools to monitor bears during this vulnerable time and gain insight into their behavior across the Arctic, ultimately supporting more effective conservation strategies.”

Despite their iconic status and widespread adoration, polar bears are often found in regions that are inhospitable to humans, and their habitats are not being adequately protected. It is hoped that this footage of mother bears and their cubs will inspire action to preserve their homes and prevent further decline of the species.