by Matthew Shupe, CIRES/NOAA scientist and co-coordinator of MOSAiC

With high ice pressure we continue to be stopped in the ice. The ship cannot make much progress under these conditions and it is just not worth the effort to keep trying at the moment.  So the ship is waiting until somewhat more favorable conditions to continue the journey. Last night we did have a visitor, two actually. A mom and a cub. Such a tiny little cub, born earlier this year. They walked all around the ship, up on top of ridges hopping between little floes, peeking out from behind blocks of ice. This must be such a curious site for them. The mother was vocal this time. Low grunts. The little cub keeping up behind her, sometimes snuggling up underneath her legs and peaking out to the strange sight. And what a great opportunity for the scientists of Leg 4. When going to the Arctic everyone wants to see a polar bear.  Bears are that charismatic megafauna that makes everyone smile. And of course if you add an adorable little cub to the mix those smiles get even bigger.  All of the cameras come out, everyone trying to capture the perfect moment. Of mom rolling on her back, or cub batting at mom’s nose. Or the little jump of the cub from one ice block to the next, trying to keep up. So many fantastic moments. I’ve seen many bears in the Arctic now, but they really never cease to amaze.  Such strong and beautiful creatures. We are trained to protect ourselves from them, with rifles and flashbangs and tripwires, etc. But these creatures don’t seem like a huge threat. They are curious, and possibly hungry, but humans are not on their menu. We are likely stranger to them then they are to us.  I wonder if these bears have ever interacted with humans before?