AnimalsSEP 22, 2014

18 Photos That Show Why Bored Polar Bears Are Awesome

In autumn Canadian Polar Bears migrate to the shores of the Hudson Bay. Once there, they find themselves waiting for the bay to start to freeze over - a process that they've figured out often begins where the fresh water from the Churchill River dumps into the bay. As temperatures drop and the year's first snows convert the golden brown landscape to pristine white, the polar bears find themselves with extra time on their paws and nothing to do. This leaves them bored, with lots of energy, and in a social mood.

These photos document some of their antics and were captured over three days spent out on the tundra with them. Shots are by Alex Berger, author of the travel and photography blog VirtualWayfarer.com who is also on Instagram as @VirtualWayfarer.

An invitation to dance?

The lunge

Some polar bears fight dirty

Proper dance position

A clap on the shoulder?

Ambush kisses

Do polar bears tell bad jokes?

Awkward laughter

Playing the "telephone" game

A polar bear high five

Carried away

The polar workout

A proper Viennese Waltz

Ooops

Friends don't let friends kiss friends alone

Unwelcome kisses

Nap time in front of a full moon