Polar Plunge

Polar bears are known for their curiosity and playful nature, and this photograph captures one such captivating moment. Taken during my eleven-day boat expedition around Svalbard in the Arctic, this image showcases the enchanting behaviour of these magnificent creatures.

As we navigated the coast of eastern Spitsbergen, my expedition leader spotted a mother and her cub, along with a solitary bear, from the ship’s crow's nest. We carefully positioned the ship against the fast ice, observing the bears through binoculars from a safe distance. When the solitary bear departed, the mother and cub took notice of our presence and approached.

The cub entertained us with a lively and heartwarming performance, diving into the icy Arctic waters, leaping across floating ice sheets, and playfully tossing ice chunks with its mouth. Meanwhile, the mother bear relaxed in the background, seemingly amused by her cub’s antics.

Witnessing this playful interaction was a truly extraordinary experience. It highlighted the profound bond between mother and cub, and reminded me of the unexpected tenderness and charm even in the wildest of creatures.

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• FREE GLOBAL SHIPPING
• Printed on Hahnemühle Photo Rag®, a premium white cotton paper with a soft textured feel. Boasting brilliant colours, deep blacks with an impressive, three-dimensional pictorial depth
• Print includes a 5mm border