Scientists witness ultra rare polar bear cub adoption in Manitoba

Scientists made a surprise discovery this past fall when video evidence emerged of an extremely rare polar bear cub adoption in northern Manitoba.

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Experts spotted a female polar bear with one biological cub during the spring of 2025. When she was spotted again in the autumn, wildlife photographer Dave Sandford captured video of her roaming around with a second, untagged cub in tow.

This is only the thirteenth known polar bear cub adoption since studies began on this polar bear subpopulation near Churchill, Manitoba, more than 45 years ago.

The identity and status of the adopted cub’s mother is currently unknown and under investigation. Only about half of polar bear cubs survive to adulthood, and that survival rate plunges to almost zero among cubs without a mother.

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Researchers believe that the female polar bear may have adopted the cub based on behavioural instincts rather than the influences of climate change on the local population.

Polar bear studies are a critical effort as the Arctic experiences rapid climate change. Arctic sea ice reached a historic low in March 2025, plunging to its lowest extent since satellite records began back in the 1970s.

Header image courtesy Dave Sandford.