Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Bear's Tango

Two young adult Polar Bears is sparring in snow. Sparring is an important polar bear behaviour and method of communication. It happens year-round, but it is most often seen in the fall when bears are waiting for the sea ice to freeze. While it looks like wrestling or play-fighting, polar bears spar to test their strength and see how they stack up against other bears.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Churchill, Canada
Copyright: © Kevin Shi