A two-month-old black bear cub found alone and starving in a California forest is now under the care of staff at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. The cub, believed to be the youngest the organization has ever cared for, was rescued by campers in Los Padres National Forest after being abandoned by its mother.
Upon discovery on April 12, efforts were made by wildlife officials to reunite the cub with its mother, but when she did not return, the cub was transferred to the Ramona facility for rehabilitation. Weighing just 3lbs upon arrival, the cub has since quadrupled in size, now exceeding 12lbs, thanks to the dedicated care provided by the center’s staff.
Autumn Welch, the wildlife operations manager at the center, emphasized the importance of preventing the cub from imprinting on humans to minimize potential conflicts once it is released back into the wild. To achieve this, staff members engage in enrichment sessions that simulate maternal behavior, including dressing in bear costumes and using plush toys for interaction.
It is crucial to maintain the cub’s wild instincts and ensure it does not associate humans with sources of food or care. By avoiding human interaction during its formative period, the hope is that the cub will view humans as fellow bears rather than providers of sustenance.
The ultimate goal is for the cub to be reintroduced to the wild after a year of rehabilitation, during which it will be closely monitored for its development and behavior. Plans may involve pairing the cub with another orphaned bear to aid in its transition back to its natural habitat.
Welch mentioned that the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will determine the release site for the cub, considering various factors such as habitat suitability, wildlife population, and potential conflicts with humans. The cub is expected to be released by the end of the following spring or early summer.
Rehabilitating a bear cub of such a young age requires significant resources and expertise, which are funded entirely through donations to the San Diego Humane Society. The Ramona Wildlife Center stands as the sole facility in San Diego County permitted to rehabilitate native apex predators like black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats.
This case of the rescued bear cub exemplifies the dedication of wildlife organizations in safeguarding and rehabilitating endangered species. The tireless efforts of the staff at the Ramona Wildlife Center demonstrate a commitment to preserving wildlife and fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and animals in their natural environment.
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