A polar bear in Manitoba adopted an orphaned cub, rare behavior observed in 13 cases over 45 years.

A rare polar bear cub adoption has been confirmed in Churchill, Manitoba, marking the 13th recorded instance in the western Hudson Bay population over 45 years. Scientists observed a female bear, known as X33991, traveling with two cubs—one her biological offspring and one uncollared cub not her own. The adopted cub, about 10–11 months old and likely orphaned, now has a better chance of survival thanks to maternal care. Researchers from Environment and Climate Change Canada and Polar Bears International believe the behavior stems from strong maternal instincts. Genetic testing is underway to determine the cub’s origins. The finding, based on long-term monitoring of a small number of collared bears, offers insight into polar bear social behavior amid climate-related challenges.