Western Hudson Bay polar bears head to land each summer when the sea ice melts, staying there until fall. This is their fasting season, and their survival depends on how much fat they put on before the ice disappears. The longer they can stay on the ice and hunt seals, the better their chances of making it through the summer.

On our one-day polar bear expeditions, we’re sometimes lucky enough to spot moms with their cubs in the wild, a true highlight of the Arctic experience. This post explores the early life of polar bear cubs and the remarkable role their mothers play in helping them survive in the harsh Arctic environment.