Mating (Spring)

Between April and late June, as the snow starts to melt and days become longer, adult male polar bears begin to find mates on the sea ice by following scented trails left by footpads.

Males reach sexual maturity between ages six and ten, and females between ages four and six.

Mating takes place on the sea ice but the fertile eggs do not implant until the following fall, and only if the mother has enough fat to sustain herself and her cubs during long the denning season. This process is called delayed implantation. Adult males stay with the female for a few days before taking off on their own.