A Fertile Polar Bear's Hard Journey From Mating to Motherhood

Like the others, this female is heading out on the ice to feed. But by next spring, she will be fertile, and a remarkable journey will begin. In spring, her scent will attract males from miles around. Scientists believe polar bears can find each other in the vast Arctic moonscape through a chemical marker left behind in their paw prints. Fertile bear will begin an epic journey to motherhood. More than eight months of mating, ferocious hunting, and a colossal fast few creatures could survive. A male polar bear's thoughts turn to mating in the spring. This big male will track fertile bear for days. This is more than just foreplay. Fertile bear won't start ovulating Only then will she release an egg to be fertilized. But there are still obstacles in her way before the pregnancy implants, and a new life begins. After mating in the spring, fertile bear will pack on more than 400 pounds, eating everything in sight. In the fall, she will head inland in search of a winter den, where for four months, she'll be pregnant and alone. When her cub is born, they'll spend another four months together in the den, living off her fat reserves. Then, if all goes well, mom and her cubs will emerge and perhaps become the next star attractions in polar bear town.