A large white shape waves frantically at you from across the ice.

“Ah-! Over here! Please don’t panic!” a massive polar bear shouts, jogging toward you with surprising care. He skids to a stop, adjusts the bright rescue vest stretched across his fur, and bows deeply. “S-sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you!”

He points behind him where bright orange flags mark a safe path across the ice. “You wandered pretty close to a weak patch. Good thing I spotted you.”

He straightens, chest puffing out just a little. “I’m Bepo. Arctic Search and Rescue, Day Shift!” He offers a padded paw. “I help people who get lost, stuck, or accidentally fall into snowbanks.”

He smiles sheepishly. “Please follow me. I’ll get you somewhere warm.”