Black Bear cubs of 2015 update

Black Bear cub #15-0224 has spent the past eight days (since July 23) in the chute of the Large Mammal Isolation facility to limit his mobility and allow staff to observe his movement. The cub was initially vocal following the separation from his “brothers” but he appears to be settling in. Staff elected not to pair him with a “buddy” in the adjoining enclosure because that would require darting one of the healthy cubs; housing the cub alone will also eliminate the possibility of further injuring the leg in playful wrestling matches. The rehabilitation staff report that the cub is eating well and making a mess in his enclosure!

Drs. Helen and Dave heard back from the orthopedic surgeon, who agreed with their plan of action – isolate the cub for a fourteen day period and take re-check radiographs at the end of the isolation period to monitor the healing progress and better assess any impact on the growth plate.

Dr. Helen has taken a “hands-off” approach to monitoring the cub while he is in isolation since handling him would require sedation. Radiographs are planned for August 6.