Black Bear cub #16-1654 update

Dr. Ernesto was pleased to report that Black Bear cub #16-1654 was brighter and even a little feisty on the morning of July 26. The cub managed to get her e-collar off, and did eat her soft meal yesterday evening. While at rest, the cub is breathing a little more easily, and Dr. Ernesto discontinued the supplemental oxygen. When the bear is restrained for treatments, the bear still wheezes and has difficulty breathing, but the staff is encouraged by her progress.

Dr. Ernesto checked and cleaned the pins on the bear's external fixator, administered pain medications and antibiotics, and offered the bear more food, which she ate. The e-collar was reapplied and the bear was placed back in the Center's holding room. As long as the bear keeps eating, she shouldn't require a feeding tube.