- Admitted
- May 19, 2026
- Rescue Location
- Halifax County
- Cause of Admission/Condition
- Orphaned
- Status
- Current Patient
Last Updated Jump to patient updates
Two infant female American Black Bear cubs were admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia on May 19 after their mother was struck and killed by a vehicle in Halifax County. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene around 1:00 a.m. and discovered the cubs still with their mother. Local police contacted the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and the cubs were kept overnight until DWR biologists could transport them to the Center in the morning.
Upon admission, both cubs were bright, alert, responsive, and very vocal, each weighing approximately 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs). The veterinary team examined the sisters and found that both cubs were thin, mildly dehydrated, and heavily infested with ticks, but had no other significant abnormalities. Radiographs, intake bloodwork, and skin scrapes were also performed, which did not show any injuries. Bloodwork for one cub (#26-1500) revealed mild anemia, which the vet team determined was likely age-related.
Following their exams, the cubs were transferred to the rehabilitation team, where staff began offering formula and “mush bowls” of soft food. Although cubs this age are typically bottle-fed, rehabilitation staff report that these sisters are already wary of people and adapted quickly to bowl feeding instead.
The cubs are currently being housed in quarantine while staff monitor their health and behavior. Once they are medically cleared, the rehab team will begin introductions to the Center’s other bear cubs, likely starting with the smaller cubs first depending on how the new arrivals react.
You can follow along with these cubs' progress and the Center's other bear cubs in our Black Bear Cubs of 2026 updates!
While these cubs were orphaned, many cubs found alone are not. If you find a cub you are concerned about, contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for guidance before taking any action. If a cub must be handled, never touch it bare-handed—always wear gloves to avoid direct contact.
Patient Updates
Sadly, on May 23, Center staff found Black Bear cub #26-1500 deceased during morning rounds. A necropsy revealed that the cub was in poor body condition and had very little food in her digestive tract. She had exhibited high levels of stress and would consistently retreat to the back of the enclosure whenever staff approached, making it difficult to accurately monitor her food intake during feedings. The team suspects she may have struggled to compete adequately for food while housed with her sibling. In addition, the cub's stress may have further contributed to reduced food intake and her overall decline.
Black Bear cub #26-1501 continues to appear bright, active, and in good body condition. The rehabilitation team will continue to quarantine and closely monitor the cub out of an abundance of caution before introducing her to the larger cohort in the Center's LMI enclosure.