5. Powerful current
The water was too strong for the mother. Much as she wanted to stay with her cubs, the current prevented her from turning back. She wasn't even certain she would survive to reach the opposite shore.
Mother Bear's Astonishing Behavior as Fishermen Rescue Her Cubs
With all her remaining strength, the mother bear fought to reach dry land. Once she pulled herself onto the shore, half-frozen, she looked around—but her cubs were nowhere to be seen.