In autumn, during years when they have eaten well, male polar bears have enough energy to play-fight most of the day, taking breaks only to cool down or drink icy water. Standing some three metres high and weighing around half a ton, these behemoths could cause serious damage in these skirmishes but their play is remarkably injury free. However, in the spring mating season disputes over a female, whose scent attracts several suitors, can be deadly. Fertilised eggs are only embedded in the uterus walls five months after mating, and cubs are born 12 weeks later.

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