The female polar bear will then give birth to a litter of cubs in the winter, usually between November and February. She will find a den in the snow and ice, where she will give birth to one to three cubs. The cubs are born blind and helpless, and they will rely on their mother for food and protection.
The cubs will stay with their mother for about two and a half years. During this time, they will learn how to hunt and survive in the Arctic environment. When the cubs are old enough, they will leave their mother and strike out on their own.