In Feb 2017 I had the opportunity to visit the polar bears in Wapusk National Park, in Manitoba. Once the sea ice forms in Hudson Bay, in November or December, the polar bears head out onto the ice flow to hunt, leaving behind the pregnant females. The females head inland to build dens to give birth to their cubs. In February and March the proud mothers emerge and introduce the 6-8 week old cubs to the world.  After a few days near the dens, they start the long walk back across the frozen tundra to Hudson Bay.

 

I was amazed at distinctly different personalities we observed in the cubs.  Two cubs in particular were very active, always play fighting with each other.  I gave these two cubs the nickname of the Ninja twins. Although it was eventually evident that it was one specific cub that was initiating the fighting.  Other cubs we observed were much calmer. Especially the single cub, who always stayed very close to its mother.

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On clear nights the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) can be very prominent in the skies above Wapusk National Park.