A Polar Bear Adopted an Orphaned Cub: A Rare Occurrence in the Wild.

According to ТСН: Researchers from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Polar Bears International have confirmed that a wild polar bear has adopted a cub that is not her biological offspring. This unique behavior was captured by cameras during the annual migration of bears along the western part of Hudson Bay.

Rescue Story

The main character of this story is a bear identified by the code X33991. In spring 2025, when she emerged from her den, she was accompanied by only one marked cub.

In autumn, she was spotted with two cubs. One of them was marked, while the other was not, confirming that the second cub is not her own.

Both cubs are now approximately 10-11 months old and appear to be quite healthy.

Rare Phenomenon

This is a significant discovery for zoologists. The population in this region has been studied for over 45 years, monitoring 4,600 bears.

"This case is only the 13th known example of a polar bear adopting cubs," the scientists noted.

Why Did the Bear Do This?

Scientists do not link this to climate change. Most likely, it reflects a strong maternal instinct. In previous cases similar to this, the biological mothers of the 'adopted' cubs were often still alive, indicating a possible 'cubbing mix-up' (accidental confusion) rather than solely the rescue of orphans.

For the cub itself, this is a true rescue. The survival rate of cubs to adulthood is about 50%, but having a mother significantly increases those odds.

Currently, the team is analyzing genetic samples to identify the true mother. Meanwhile, bear X33991, along with her two wards, has already set off onto the sea ice to hunt for seals.

This case highlights how nature tries to support polar bears, which are increasingly suffering from global warming. The animals are undergoing evolutionary changes against the backdrop of rapid environmental changes, and scientists have noted the activation of certain DNA regions in individuals living in warmer areas of Greenland that are responsible for metabolism.