An observation of possible cannibalism by polar bears ( Ursus maritimus)
We observed a case of cannibalism by a 23-year-old adult male polar bear in very poor physical condition on Southampton Island, N.W.T. It had apparently killed an adult female and was feeding on the carcass. Cannibalism among polar bears does occur under natural conditions. It is difficult to docume...
Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
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Main Authors: | , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1985
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z85-225 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z85-225 |
Summary: | We observed a case of cannibalism by a 23-year-old adult male polar bear in very poor physical condition on Southampton Island, N.W.T. It had apparently killed an adult female and was feeding on the carcass. Cannibalism among polar bears does occur under natural conditions. It is difficult to document how often this occurs and of what ecological significance it might be. |
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