Bear/Cub Rescue and Care

Many human activities result in the orphaning of bear cubs. Some of the more common reasons include conflict situations, vehicle and train accidents, commercial land-use activities, regulated and non-regulated hunting, weather events, and abandonment as a result of food shortages.

In Canada, many orphaned grizzly and black bear cubs can be rescued from the wild and placed in wildlife care centres. These facilities, when operated by experienced persons, have demonstrated that bear cubs can be excellent candidates for release back to the wild. Survival rates for orphaned cubs do not differ substantially from those of wild cubs, and very few animals become involved in conflict situations within one year of their release. Studies show that rescued, cared for and released American black bears have the ability to function behaviourally as wild bears. The ultimate success is when they become reproducing members of the population. Managers in the US typically do not necessarily attempt to save and re-wild or place orphaned bears, though it does happen when orphaned cubs go to zoos or authorized sanctuaries.

If you are concerned for a bear/cub’s wellbeing, do not approach it or attempt to pick it up. Contact your local wildlife management agency, or a licensed wildlife rescue and/or rehabilitation facility.