Refuge from the Storm

A mother polar bear and her new cub–approximately three months old–take refuge from the howling winds as they hunker down behind drifted snow. So much of wildlife photography is waiting for something special to happen. This little cub had nestled into his mother’s warm, furry belly, content to sleep the storm away for over an hour. But eventually, like all babies, the cub awoke and wanted to play.

I’ve been fortunate to have documented several moms and cubs in the denning area of Hudson Bay. Typically it’s been a mother with two cubs, and one mother even had three. When there is more than one cub they will often wrestle, play, and interact with each other. But this little guy had no sibling so mom became his accepting playmate.

This short video of a polar bear cub’s first days out of the den ends with him cuddling back into his mother’s protective circle. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he once again settled into a peaceful position and began to nurse. The wind still howling, the snow still flying, we backed away and left them undisturbed.

These pictures and this video would not be possible without the support of Polar Bears International and the Arctic Documentary Project (ADP). You can support the ADP by visiting www.arcticdocumentaryproject.org. A big thanks to all who have helped with this ongoing effort.