:29:02
and an insulating fur
of translucent, hollow hairs.
:29:15
The summer breakup
of offshore ice
:29:17
has marooned them on land
:29:19
where they can't hunt
their favorite prey
:29:21
the ringed seal.
:29:24
For now, they survive
only on stored fat
:29:27
and buried seaweed
and wait patiently
:29:29
for the sea to freeze over
so the hunt can resume.
:29:36
Some males while away the time
in friendly play-fighting.
:30:12
For a female and her youngster
the long wait is a time
:30:16
of both motherly affection
and danger for the cubs.
:30:20
Despite the fierce protection
of mothers
:30:23
fewer than half survive
their first year.
:30:28
Accidents and starvation
are persistent threats
:30:31
but she must also avoid
her own kind.
:30:35
Male polar bears will eat
unprotected cubs.
:30:44
Few mothers in all of nature
are as devoted as a polar bear.
:30:48
Cubs learn early
to obey her commands.