Thursday, February 20, 2014

Evolutionary Benefit of Cuteness

Apparently, the kind Mother Nature makes babies of all species look super-cute and adorable, as to protect the young and vulnerable from becoming prey to stronger animals. It seems though that in the case of grizzly bears Mother Nature failed a bit, as the biggest threat to young grizzly cubs are adult grizzlies. In the photo below, three cubs and their mom are alertly surveying the behavior of a nearby alpha grizzly bear, ready to flee at his slightest movement in their direction.

Mama Bear and Three Cubs at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, Alaska