Manitoba, Canada – 2023

“I loved how these newborn cubs stayed so close and listened to their mom. She had a patient, nurturing presence, and her calm expression reflected years of hard-won wisdom. Even after working as a marine biologist and observing polar bears for years, this was the first time I saw a mom emerge from her maternal den. She would have come off the ice sometime in the late summer to carefully select a den and give birth in January, nursing her hairless newborns on some of the richest milk in the world. Once her cubs are big enough to make the trek, she must lead them to the sea ice to gorge on seals after eight months of fasting. I hope she is eating well and raising her cubs to be wise like her as they navigate an uncertain future and warming world.” – Paul Nicklen