19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Sparring Partners

Photographed in Churchill, Manitoba. Each year polar bears congregate in this area because the Churchill River freezes faster (fresh water). While they wait for the ice to come - they will often find a partner to spar with - some believe they are doing this to get in shape to hunt seal again and others say it is to prepare them for the mating season. It is a wild experience to watch and witness!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Churchill, Canada
Camera: NIKON Z 7
Copyright: © Michelle Valberg