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Scientists tracking free-roaming polar bears in Canada's northern regions observed something remarkably uncommon this fall: a mother bear adopting a cub that was not genetically her own.

The five-year-old mother and her nearly year-old cubs were spotted and captured on camera during the annual polar bear journey along the Western Hudson Bay near Churchill, Manitoba, an area known for its concentration of Arctic bears.

"This is uncommon," stated a researcher with an international bear organization. "The reasons are unclear why it happens...but we know it doesn't happen often at all."

This represents only the thirteenth documented instance of fostering out of 4,600 bears researched for almost fifty years in that region.

The female bear was first captured as she emerged from her birthing den this springtime. Initially, she had one cub, which scientists tagged for study.

In the fall, she was spotted once more, but this time with two cubs - the original cub and another without a tag. Scientists are uncertain what became of the second cub's biological mother, but they are attempting to locate her using DNA analysis.

"The bears need every advantage they can get these days with a warming climate," noted a wildlife biologist. "When mother bears have the chance to take in an additional youngster and raise it and successfully wean it, it's a good thing for the bears."

Polar bears in the wild only have a 50% chance of surviving into adulthood, but having a maternal figure caring for them improves their chances.

The young bears are reported as in good condition, according to experts, and they will likely remain with their adoptive mother until they are about two-and-a-half years old.

Next, the family is anticipated to head out to sea ice, where the cubs will learn from their mother how to hunt seals and live on their own.

"It is heartening to know that the bears are looking out for each other," concluded the researcher.