A baby bear is called a cub. Born during hibernation at just 8-12 ounces — smaller than a can of soda — it grows into one of the largest land predators on Earth.
Bear cubs are born while their mother is hibernating — in a den, in the dead of winter. The mother sleeps while nursing cubs that weigh less than a pound. She doesn't eat, drink, or eliminate waste for months, yet produces rich milk that helps cubs grow from 8 oz to 5-10 lbs by spring.
This is one of the most extreme examples of maternal sacrifice in the animal kingdom.
Born hairless, blind, and toothless
Weigh less than a can of soda at birth
Nurse while mother hibernates — she doesn't wake up
Grow from 8 oz to 10 lbs in 3 months on milk alone
Cubs play-fight to develop muscles and survival skills
Mother carries cubs across rivers by the scruff of the neck
Polar bear cubs stay with mom for 2.5-3 years
Grizzly cubs can climb trees — adults can't (too heavy)