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THE viral video of a bear cub determined to follow its mother up a steep snowy mountainside has melted hearts around the world.

But the clip of the plucky cub may have a darker side than you realise.

Is there a darker side behind the adorable video of a bear cub climbing a moutnain.
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Is there a darker side behind the adorable video of a bear cub climbing a moutnain.Credit: ViralHog

The clip went viral on social media with viewers admitting they felt “stressed out” as the cub continually slid down the mountain towards rocks.

It starts by showing the pair clambering over a rocky patch of ground as the mum guides her young cub towards the top of the mountain.

Plenty of heart-stopping moments follow as the cub struggles to reach her, and it leaves long trails in the snow where its claws have dug in to stop it slipping too far below.

But with true perseverance, the youngster finally reaches the peak.

Both initially slip down the powdery snow
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Both initially slip down the powdery snowCredit: ViralHog
While its patient mother waits above, the cub makes its move up the mountain
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While its patient mother waits above, the cub makes its move up the mountainCredit: ViralHog

While undeniably adorable, biologists have shed new light on what is going on.

Researchers say the mum is terrified of the drone that is filming them.

At one point she even stares at the camera as it flies perilously close, and she deems it a threat to her little one.

Dr. Katie LaBarbera, behavioral ecologist, tweeted: "Mom is *super* worried.

"The way she paces back and forth, looks around is very anxious.

"When she appears to push him down? She's pushing him away b/c she thinks the drone is about to *attack* him.

"Very bad drone behaviour here. Good momma bear."

When the drone appears to get too close to the pair, the mother looks straight at it, and seems to become anxious
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When the drone appears to get too close to the pair, the mother looks straight at it, and seems to become anxiousCredit: ViralHog

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Long way to climb
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Long way to climbCredit: ViralHog
Success: the pair are finally together, and run away
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Success: the pair are finally together, and run awayCredit: ViralHog

Yon Yonson, a drone operator, added: "As a drone pilot this footage makes me angry.

"Did you see the momma bear lash out as the cub was almost up at 1:19?

"Got to think the rapidly approaching aerial contraption wasn't helping."

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As the device apparently gets closer and zooms in, she lunges forward with her paws.

This action moves chunks of snow, and sends her baby sliding down the slope yet again.

The cub's repeated attempts eventually result in it managing to reach her, and the pair immediately run away.

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