Wildlife

Polar Bear Maternal Den Protection

Protecting maternal dens where polar bear cubs are born and spend their first months is critical for cub survival and population recovery.

Key Facts

Female polar bears excavate dens in snowdrifts in October and November
Cubs are born in December and January, weighing less than 1 kilogram
The family emerges from dens in late March or April
Industrial noise and seismic exploration near dens can cause den abandonment
Maternal polar bears are extremely sensitive to disturbance during this period

Welfare Considerations

Cubs that lose their mother due to den disturbance or abandonment rarely survive. The maternal den period represents peak vulnerability for the species. Oil and gas exploration in polar bear denning habitat poses severe welfare risks. Monitoring using forward-looking infrared radar identifies dens before disturbance occurs.

What You Can Do

Support moratoriums on oil exploration in polar bear denning habitat
Donate to polar bear monitoring programs that use FLIR technology
Advocate for strict buffer zones around known polar bear denning areas
Learn about the maternal den biology of polar bears
Support Arctic wildlife protection legislation