- Admitted
- May 14, 2026
- Rescue Location
- Frederick County
- Cause of Admission/Condition
- Entanglement
- Status
- Former Patient
Last Updated Jump to patient updates
On May 14, the Wildlife Center admitted its seventh Black Bear cub of 2026. The cub was found entangled in a wire fence in Winchester, Virginia; a rescuer managed to free her from the fence, but discovered that she was weak and had a significant wound on her leg. The cub was quickly transported to the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center, where she received initial treatment before being transferred to the Wildlife Center.
Upon admission, the cub was dull and slow to respond, though she became slightly more alert during handling. Dr. Zack, one of the Center's veterinary interns, examined the cub and found that she was mildly dehydrated, heavily infested with ticks, and suffering from a large degloving wound on her right hind leg, with several small areas of necrotic tissue. Blood work showed that the cub was slightly anemic. Due to the cub’s depressed mentation, Dr. Zack and the team decided it was too risky to anesthetize her to debride and close the wound.
After the exam, veterinary staff placed a fresh bandage over the injury and started the cub on a combination of fluids, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatories. They then placed her in a large Zinger in the Center’s acclimation area for rest and close monitoring, with blankets to help keep her comfortable.
During morning checks on May 15, staff noted that the cub’s condition appeared slightly improved, though her prognosis remains poor due to the prolonged entrapment and risk of infection. Veterinary staff will continue to closely monitor her; once her condition has stabilized, they will anesthetize her to surgically clean and close the wound.
Patient Updates
During the past two weeks, Black Bear cub #26-1372 has shown significant improvement. Veterinary staff report that she is now much brighter, more responsive, and appropriately feisty compared to her condition on intake. At her most recent weigh-in, the cub weighed 6.4 kg.
The cub’s leg wound has been healing well. On May 19, the veterinary team was able to partially close the wound and place a specialized bandage to help protect the area. During a recent bandage change, veterinary staff noted healthy granulation tissue forming, with no signs of infection.
While the cub’s physical condition and mentation have improved, staff have become increasingly concerned that the cub may have vision deficits—something that became apparent as she grew more active. On May 22, while the cub was sedated for a bandage change, Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Karra performed an ophthalmic exam to assess the cub's eyes.
While the cub's eyes did respond to light, they did not demonstrate normal visual acuity or tracking. Dr. Karra is planning an additional exam to dilate the pupils and better assess any trauma to the retina and the back of the eyes.
Currently, the cub’s long-term prognosis remains guarded, as vision deficits could make her non-releasable.