Polar Promise

Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada
                                                                         
In late February or early March, after about three months in a snow den, polar bear cubs and their mothers emerge into the arctic elements. The mother polar bear has not eaten since the previous summer and amazingly is able to nurse the cubs based solely on her fat reserves. After leaving the den, they make their way toward the sea ice where she can hunt seals and begin to rebuild her reserves. These new cubs will face many perils in their first year – but on this sunny day, in the protective presence of their mother, life is great for these new members of the arctic community.
                                                                         
Edition of 500