Black Bear cubs #14-0252 and #14-0253 update

Let the introductions begin!

On April 17, the Wildlife Center rehabilitation staff began introducing Black Bear cubs #14-0252 and 14-0253 to Black Bear yearling #14-0126. The two cubs were placed in a zinger crate inside Bear Pen #1 so that the cubs and yearling could see and hear one another, but couldn’t directly interact right away. On April 18, certified wildlife rehabilitator Amber opened the door to the zinger crate, as well as the connecting door to Bear Pen 2. This means that the cubs and the yearling are free to interact with one another, and have the run of both pens 1 and 2.

One of the cubs soon walked out of the zinger crate and walked around the bear pen briefly. Yearling #14-0126 watched, but showed no interest in interacting. The Wildlife Center used a female yearling bear in a surrogate role in 2012; at that time, it took about three days for the bears to start interacting with one another.

The two cubs are eating well and are offered a “mush bowl” twice a day. The mush bowls consist of thickened bear formula, softened puppy chow, and small pieces of fruit.