In regards to the emotional connection between Mama bears and cubs...I believe that the reaction to protect the cubs is not one of emotion but of striving to protect her offspring. All animals live to reproduce and continue on their genes. They fight back when that is jeopordized.
Apes and monkeys on the other hand have demonstrated what is interpreted to be emotion upon the loss of their children. One reasoning for this is because of the huge investment that Apes put into raising their children...not much unlike humans. Bears do have a commitment to raise their young but the amount of attention and relative helplessness is significantly less than those in the ape family.
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