In one of the many streams in the backcountry of Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, these two sibling cubs began play...

Play Fighting

Alaska, USA

In one of the many streams in the backcountry of Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, these two sibling cubs began play fighting. They repeatedly sized each other up, engaged, then retreated, with each one at times gaining the upper “paw”. Often baring their teeth (no pun intended), they looked wide-eyed and fearsome. But both knew the limits, and never once did one seem to be hurting or injuring the other.

There are many purported reasons as to why cubs fight, but most experts believe it is to hone the skills they will need to survive once they separate from mom. With repeated engagements, they can learn which fighting techniques work best, evaluate the risks, test their reaction times and fighting abilities, all without much risk of injury. But it may also help to strengthen social bonds and cope with stress, increase tolerance of other bears, burn off energy, or just simply be for fun. Photo © copyright by Dr. Edward Mikol.

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