Too cute to bear: Polar bear cub Momota wins hearts with traffic cone antics

Most of us avoid traffic cones. For Momota, they're the bear necessities of a good time.

The eight-month-old polar bear cub has developed an adorable obsession with traffic cones, turning the everyday object into his favourite toy as he romps around his enclosure at Japan's Akita Prefectural Oga Aquarium.

In one particularly amusing clip, Momota becomes so engrossed in his game that he inadvertently jabs his mother, Momo, with a traffic cone. Momo swiftly tosses the object aside, only for the cub to retrieve it and resume his game.

The endearing moments were captured by 53-year-old office worker Takuzo Toriya, an amateur photographer who was visiting the aquarium. 

According to the Daily Mail, Toriya said Momota seemed eager to show just how much he enjoys playing with toys.

@asiaone His cute antics have earned Momota virality online, with many coming to Akita Prefectural Oga Aquarium to see him play with his cone. #japan #polarbear #animals #zoo ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

Born in December 2025, Momota has attracted a following since making his public debut. 

The cub, whose name combines that of his mother Momo and father Hokuto, has become one of the aquarium's biggest attractions, with visitors closely following his growth and playful antics. 

His latest antics with traffic cones have further boosted his popularity online, with many viewers charmed by his boundless curiosity and toddler-like energy.

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helmy.saat@asiaone.com