Black Bear Cub #26-0312

Admitted
March 9, 2026
Rescue Location
Bedford County
Cause of Admission/Condition
Suspected Orphan
Status
Current Patient
Patient photo

Last Updated Jump to patient updates

On March 9, the Center admitted the first Black Bear cub of 2026—a young female that was found alone, muddy, and shivering at a residence in Bedford County. The finder watched the cub for six hours but did not see any signs of the mother. Department of Wildlife Resources staff responded, determined that the cub was likely orphaned, and transported her to the Center for care.

On admission, the cub—estimated to be about six weeks old —was quiet, but alert and responsive. After giving her a brief period of rest, the veterinary team anesthetized the cub to perform a full exam and diagnostic workup.

Black Bear cub #26-0312 under anesthesia
Veterinary staff found that the cub was mildly dehydrated but otherwise in good body condition, with no apparent injuries. Radiographs were within normal limits, and bloodwork was largely normal, though it did reveal low blood glucose—indicating she had not eaten for some time. 
 
After the exam, the veterinary team administered fluids and placed the cub in a large Zinger in the Center's ICU to recover. Later that evening, the rehabilitation team syringe-fed her electrolytes. While the first feeding is often a challenge, the cub eagerly took to the syringe and drank about 75% of the solution.
 
Black Bear cub #26-0312 being syringe fed by rehab staff
Given the cub's age, the rehabilitation team decided to leave a “mush bowl” of soft food overnight to see if she would eat on her own. The next morning, rehabilitation supervisor Alex Olvera reported that “the bowl was licked clean! The cub's face was covered in dried bits of food, which we helped clean off.”
 
In addition to feeding, the team provided a thick, soft blanket that mimics the feel of nestling up with the mother's fur. They have also begun providing short periods of “play time”, as cubs at this age require socialization for healthy development. The team captured a short video of the cub's interactions with staff after her meal. 
 
The rehabilitation team will continue to provide supportive care and closely monitor the cub. For now, she is staying in a Zinger in one of the Center's Bear Pens, where she is receiving three formula feedings each day, along with two mush bowls.
 

With mother bears and cubs on the move, there's an increased chance you might come across a cub during this time of year. If you find a cub you are concerned about, contact DWR's Wildlife Conflict Helpline (or your state's wildlife agency) before intervening. If you must pick up a cub, never handle them bare-handed; always wear gloves to ensure you have no direct contact with the bear. 

For more information on living side-by-side with bears, visit DWR's Be Bear Wise page. 

You can help support our work with native wildlife.

Your donation will help provide food and medical care to this orphaned Black Bear cub and approximately 4,500 other patients that the Wildlife Center will help this year.

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Patient Updates

During the past week, Black Bear cub #26-0312 has continued to do well and now weighs 2.83 kg. The rehab team feeds her formula three times per day, along with supplemental “mush bowls” twice daily. Though she eagerly takes food, she often tries to suckle the mush and hasn’t realized it’s meant to be eaten as a solid rather than a liquid.

In addition to her healthy appetite, the cub is becoming increasingly curious and exploratory. She has begun interacting more with objects in the Bear Pens and is displaying more frequent play behaviors—pouncing on her stuffed animals and engaging with other enrichment items. While she explores, the Zinger is kept open to act as her den, providing a safe space to retreat to when needed. Rehabilitation team lead Mac Stewart says that this “helps build her confidence as she continues to adjust to her environment.”

Check out this video of the cub pouncing on one of her stuffed animals!

During the past week, Black Bear cub #26-0312 has continued to do well and gain weight. The rehabilitation team reports that she now weighs 2.4 kg and receives 80 mL of formula three times per day, which she eagerly consumes, often ending up with a “little round belly.” She also receives two “mush bowls” per day, which she will either eat or roll in depending on her mood. 
 

Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac shared that the cub “is getting stronger and more energetic by the day! She plays for longer after her feedings before getting tired and is starting to bite her stuffed animals or blanket and shake them while playing. She is also moving around much more—less crawling and more walking—and was even able to pull herself up to stand a few times this past week!”

The rehab team recently gave the cub dried leaves and branches to play with. Check out her reaction! 

During the past week, Black Bear cub #26-0312 has continued to do well. The rehabilitation team reports that she is readily taking formula from her bottle and has been eating portions of her “mush bowl” meals on her own. At her most recent weigh-in, the cub weighed 1.8 kg—an increase of 0.3 kg since admission.

Staff have been closely monitoring the cub after hearing a minor cough at the end of last week; however, no concerning respiratory sounds have been noted since. A routine fecal exam did reveal the presence of hookworms, an intestinal parasite commonly found in wildlife. The veterinary team administered antiparasitic medication and will perform a fecal recheck on Wednesday.

In addition to her physical health, the cub is continuing to receive daily socialization. Thanks to generous donations from supporters, she recently received two very large stuffed animals—a bear and a duck—to provide comfort and companionship. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac shared that she “loves both!” and is often found “curled in a little ball in the nook between them.” After feedings, she becomes more active and playful and will wrestle with her stuffed animals, but it usually only lasts for short periods before she runs out of energy and falls asleep.