Polar Bear Mom and Cubs | National Geographic

Why does a mother polar bear sniff the air and slowly open her eyes after emerging from her den?

• To find her cubs

• To check for predators and adjust to bright sunlight

• To find food for herself

• To see if it's safe to play

What is a significant reason why mother polar bears are very protective of their cubs?

• Cubs are often killed by adult male polar bears in their first year

• Cubs are very playful and need constant supervision

• Cubs need to learn how to hunt from their mother

• Cubs are still drinking their mother's milk

What is the main purpose of "lair crashing" for polar bears?

• To play and exercise on the ice

• To break through the ice to catch seals

• To find a new den for the family

• To dry their fur after swimming

How do polar bears typically dry themselves after being in the water?

• They shake their fur vigorously

• They bask in the sun on ice floes

• They roll around in the snow

• They rub against rough surfaces