Cub growth and development
- Cubs open their eyes within the first month.
- The cubs begin walking while in the den at about two months.
By this time, they also have thick, whitish fur and their teeth
have erupted.
- By the time the mother and cubs emerge from the den in late
March or April, the cubs weigh 10 to 15 kg (22-33 lb.).
- A mother will sometimes carry her cubs on her back through
areas of deep snow or water.
- Cubs begin eating solid food as soon as their mother makes her
first kill on the sea ice (about three to four months of age).
- By eight months of age, they weigh over 45 kg (99 lb.).
- Polar bear cubs learn to hunt by watching their mother.
- When her cubs are about 30 months old, a female polar bear is
ready to breed again. At this time, an adult male may begin
following her. Either the mother bear or the male chases away
the cubs.