On February 1, a male Black Bear yearling was admitted to the Wildlife Center from Augusta County. A landowner saw the small bear and thought he was dragging one of his hind legs; a biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries responded and was able to easily capture the tiny yearling.
Dr. Peach, one of the Center's veterinary interns, examined the bear when he arrived. Weighing in at just 3.8 kg, the bear is a fraction of the size and weight that a healthy yearling would be at this time of year. The bear had a body condition score of 0.5/5, and was severely dehydrated. No fractures or obvious injuries were found. Skin scrapings confirmed the presence of mange mites.
The bear received subcutaneous fluids and was placed in a zinger crate in the Center's holding room. The next few days will be critical for the bear as food is reintroduced to his system. The veterinary team will start the bear on a "re-feeding protocol" – a very small portion of an easily digestible diet will be offered slowly. The team will need to balance the bear’s need for nutrition with the danger of offering too much nutrition too quickly. The bear’s condition is grave.