Black Bear cubs #13-0874, 13-0875, and 13-0876

On Saturday, May 11, a homeowner in Augusta County called the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries when a Black Bear sow was found dead near a road – and her three young cubs were spotted in a nearby tree. The sow was likely hit by a vehicle. The DGIF officer collected the young bears and brought them to the Wildlife Center on May 13.

Each young bear – all females – received a complete physical examination, radiographs, and blood work from the veterinary team. Dr. Dana, Tedesco, the Center’s veterinary intern, noted that Black Bear #13-0874 has a healing fracture of the right humerus that appeared to be about two weeks old. The cub weighs 3.35 kg. Black Bear #13-0876, weighing in at 3.68 kgs, has a broken tooth. No significant findings were noted for Black Bear #13-0875, which is the smallest of the three, weighing in at 2.22 kg.

The three sisters will be set-up in the Center’s holding room until a fecal examination can be performed to determine if treatment for parasites is needed. The rehabilitation staff will offer formula two-to-three times a day, as well as a mush bowl. Once the bears are eating well and have received clearance from the veterinary team, the bears will be set-up in an outdoor space. This likely will not be with the other eight bear cubs currently residing at the Center, due to space.

At the Wildlife Center, we treat to release. Your donation will help support the Center’s life-saving work with these young Black Bears … and with thousands of wild animals in need.