Inspiring story: How Nanuk survived the harsh realities of climate change and grew from a young polar bear to a confident bear
NIMA SARIKHANI/WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR In the vast expanse of the Arctic, where the sun barely rises and the snow stretches as far as the eye can see, there is a young polar bear named Nanuk. Nanuk is just two years old, but already he knows the harsh realities of life in the frozen tundra. His mother, who had taught him everything he knew, had recently left him to fend for himself. Nanuk was alone, but he was determined to survive. One crisp autumn day, Nanuk set out in search of food. He had been fasting for days, and his stomach growled with hunger. The wind howled around him, and the snow crunched beneath his paws as he trudged through the icy landscape. Nanuk's senses were heightened as he scanned the horizon for any sign of prey. But the Arctic was a cruel mistress, and Nanuk found nothing but empty snowdrifts. As the sun began to set, Nanuk grew weary. His legs ached, and his belly rumbled with hunger. He knew he couldn't keep searching forever. With a heavy he...