NCWRC Reports Successful Release of Bear Cub After Rehabilitation
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Asheville, NC (WNN)—The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has provided a positive update on one of the orphaned black bear cubs that gained international attention earlier this year after a video showed people pulling her and another cub from a tree and taking selfies with them in an Asheville apartment complex.
Cub Thriving Post Rehabilitation
According to a press release, The rehabilitated cub has been released into a remote area of the Western North Carolina mountains and is thriving. Fitted with a GPS collar and identifying tags, she is showing promising signs of adapting to the wild. “The GPS collar data shows she is adjusting well to life back in the wild,” said NCWRC BearWise® Coordinator Ashley Hobbs. “We anticipate she will find an appropriate den location for the winter, following the natural instincts typical of rehabilitated black bear cubs.”
Uncertainty Surrounding the Missing Sibling
A second cub, believed to be her sibling, was seen running away in the video and was never located. It remains unclear whether the cubs were in the tree because they had been orphaned or if they were simply waiting for their mother to return.
Educating the Public on Bear Behavior
The cub’s story highlights the importance of public education about black bear behavior. NCWRC officials remind residents that bear cubs are rarely orphaned. Often, the mother bear is nearby and will return if given time and space.
Handling Cubs Can Do More Harm Than Good
“Handling or capturing a bear cub can cause harm to the animal and may separate it from its mother,” said Colleen Olfenbuttel, NCWRC’s Game Mammals and Surveys Supervisor. “It’s essential to observe from a distance and contact the wildlife helpline if you believe a cub is truly orphaned.”
Continued Conservation Efforts
This year, the NCWRC rehabilitated and released nine black bear cubs, continuing its conservation efforts since 1976. Biologists note that cubs orphaned in late summer or early fall can often survive independently, as seen with “Selfie Bear.”
Avoid Habituation for Long-Term Success
The public should avoid feeding or approaching bears, as it harms their ability to thrive in the wild.
Learn More About BearWise
For information on safely cohabiting with bears or NCWRC’s rehabilitation program, visit the BearWise® Basics section on the NCWRC website.
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