An observation of possible cannibalism by polar bears ( Ursus maritimus )

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Lunn, N. J., Stenhouse, G. B.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1985
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Southampton Island; polar bear; Ursus maritimus
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z85-225; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z85-225

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...