27.2.2024 – Source: Polar Bear International
High on a mountain slope in Svalbard, Norway, a polar bear mom cuddles with her cubs in the shelter of their snow den. Outside, Arctic winds sweep across the frigid landscape but, inside, the family stays safe and warm.
Photo: Joanna Sulich
Photo: Daniel J. Cox
We created International Polar Bear Day, February 27, to coincide with the denning period. Every year on this day, we celebrate moms and cubs and draw attention to the need to protect them across the Arctic.
Photo: Daniel J. Cox
Right now, polar bear moms and their newborn cubs are snuggled together in snow dens across the Arctic. The denning period is the most vulnerable time in a polar bear’s life. And in a warming Arctic, where polar bears face enormous challenges, the survival of every single cub is critically important.
Photo: Daniel J. Cox
International Polar Bear Day Toolkit
Photo: Meril Darees
By Alysa McCall, Staff Scientist:
As I write this, my own little cub tears around the house, demanding water and snacks and attention. She’s up and down and up and down and up … I am tired but at the same time can recognize how privileged I am. My daughter has an excellent chance of surviving to adulthood, and I’m fortunate to have all the conveniences of modern life at my fingertips to help me raise her—from grocery stores and indoor heating to FaceTiming with Nana. I can offer books or toys, keep our home safe, and turn on Baby Shark to distract for a desperately needed minute. Plus, so much coffee.
Polar bear moms have no such support. Not even close.
Photo: Dick and Val Beck
Photo: Kt Miller
Photo: Shannon Curtis
All moms work hard, but polar bears are undoubtedly some of the hardest working single moms.
Photo: Steven Amstrup
Here are some key facts about polar bear families:
We look forward to celebrating International Polar Bear Day with you and working together to ensure the polar bears’ future.
P.S. Did you know that the most challenging time in a polar bear’s life is from birth to adulthood at about age 5? Start a Survive to 5 Fundraiser to help give cubs the best possible chance and invite your friends, family, and colleagues to join you. We’ll reward the top 3 fundraisers with prizes, plus each gift will be matched dollar for dollar!27
Photo: Meril Darees
Mervi. I also remember my Mother Ursula on this day. Polar Bear mums even in Zoos work hard to train their cubs and care for them. But the wild Polar has to cope with so many dangers.
Die allerbestren Wünsche für euch gute Schätze! 💓 🥰
Wunderschöne Fotos sinds alles! 👍 😍
Liebe Grüße von Brigitte
Die Eisbären haben einen ganz besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen und ich wünsche jeden Tag aufs Neue, dass diese wunderbaren Tiere eine ZUKUNFT haben werden…💝🐻❄️
Dear Mervi!
You found very good pictures for the Polar Bears Day.
Hugs
Ludmila
Dear Mervi,
the article in KM is great with marvellous photos! But unfortunately they can’t hide how endangered their habitat is in the melting Arctic.
The links are also very instructive and I have watched many documentaries for the umpteenth time over the past winter months with the same admiration. I particularly remember the life story of the female bear called FROST, who was observed for a long time by a camera team with two of her litters.
Thank you for the lovely contribution today and best wishes!
Britta-Gudrun
Dear Mervi!
Thank you for this beautiful article and the fantastic and touching photos for International Polar Bear Day!
Unfortunately, it’s hard to chase away the gloomy thoughts at the moment. It doesn’t look good for these magnificent and beautiful largest land predators on earth.
But hope dies last and more and more people are standing up for polar bears, nature and environmental protection, giving thought, donating money and changing their way of life, even among the rich and powerful…
Hugs
Anke