Black Bear Cub #26-0807

On April 17, the Center admitted its fifth Black Bear cub of 2026, a young male from Tazewell County. The cub had been found alone on April 15, with no sign of his mother nearby. After waiting several hours for the mother to return, the finder brought him inside and contacted the Department of Wildlife Resources the next day. DWR biologists retrieved the cub, provided initial care, and transported him to the Center the following morning.

Upon admission, the cub was bright and alert, weighing 1.74 kg. The veterinary team examined him and found that he was thin and mildly dehydrated, and had no apparent injuries. Radiographs looked normal; however, bloodwork indicated that the cub was slightly malnourished, likely due to going an extended period without his mother's care. 

Following the exam, rehab staff began providing formula along with a “mush bowl” of soft food. The team reports that the cub eats “very well,” and later that day, he was moved to the LMI enclosure to begin introductions with the Center’s four other bear cubs. Introductions are going well, and all the cubs are being carefully monitored by staff.

You can follow along with this cub's progress and the Center's other four bear cubs in our Black Bear Cubs of 2026 updates! 

While this cub was likely 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.