In the dense forests of California, a tale of survival and compassion unfolds as two orphaned black bear cubs find their way back to the wild, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center.
This heartwarming story not only highlights the resilience of nature but also the human spirit's capacity for kindness.
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Cubs' Road to Recovery
Danika Perkinson/Unsplash
The journey began with a tragedy when the cubs were found in the San Bernardino mountains, orphaned and malnourished after the loss of their mother.
Weighing a mere 12 and 15 pounds, the brother bears faced a grim future. In the wild, their chances of survival were slim, with threats from predators and the absence of their mother's guidance.
The San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center stepped in to provide a beacon of hope.
The cubs underwent a meticulous rehabilitation process, where they were nourished back to health and taught the essential skills needed for life in the wild.
The center's specialists crafted an environment that mimicked the cubs' natural habitat, complete with native plants and a diet designed to encourage foraging behaviors.
A New Beginning: Release and Beyond
After ten months of careful preparation, the cubs, now robust and ready, were released into their native habitat.
Equipped with GPS collars for monitoring, the bears ventured into the forest, embarking on a new chapter of life.
The success of this endeavor serves as a testament to the wildlife center's commitment to conservation and the resilience of these majestic creatures.
The story of the orphaned black bear cubs is more than just a successful rehabilitation; it's a narrative that underscores the importance of wildlife conservation efforts and the profound impact of human intervention.
As the cubs roam free, they carry with them the legacy of a community that rallied to give them a fighting chance at life.
The rehabilitation process for the orphaned black bear cubs at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center was a meticulous and compassionate endeavor:
Rescue and Arrival:
The two undersized cubs, a 15-month-old female and a 15-month-old male, were rescued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) after their mother tragically died in the San Bernardino mountains.
The male cub, found in Inyo County, had been orphaned and was showing signs of habituation to people, which posed risks for both the bear and the public. It was suspected that the mother had been struck by a car.
The female cub, discovered in Tulare County, was believed to have been orphaned due to heavy rainstorms that can flood bear dens. CDFW biologists rescued her near Bakersfield when she was found abandoned and thin.
Rehabilitation and Care:
The cubs spent nearly a year at the Ramona Wildlife Center. Their rehabilitation focused on mimicking life in the wild to set them up for success.
The bears' enclosure allowed them to exhibit natural behaviors. They had access to trees, shrubs, and natural substrate, along with opportunities to run, climb, play, and forage for food.
The animal care team intentionally minimized interaction with the bears to prevent them from becoming comfortable around humans.
This was crucial for their eventual release into the wild.Their diet included a mixture of foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, and specially formulated bear chow.
Health and Preparation for Release:
During rehabilitation, the bears gained about 80 pounds each and were on track to reach their full size-upward of 400 pounds.
After receiving a clean bill of health from veterinarians, the bears were microchipped and fitted with GPS collars.
Finally, in May, they were released back into the wild near where they were originally found, marking the successful culmination of their rehabilitation journey.
The delicate balance of raising wild bears in captivity required meticulous planning, dedication, and a commitment to ensuring their well-being without compromising their wild instincts.
The bears now roam free, a testament to the collaborative efforts of conservationists and the resilience of these remarkable creatures
