Black Bear Cubs of 2025

During the past two weeks, the weather in Waynesboro has started to warm, and the two Black Bear yearlings have become more active. With spring just around the corner, rehabilitation staff have begun coordinating with biologists from the Department of Wildlife Resources to plan for their release, which is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, when food resources will be more abundant. 

To prepare for the release, the rehabilitation team will start feeding the bears in the transition yard of the Bear Complex every other day. Next week, DWR will drop off two large culvert traps in the transition yard, which will be used to safely capture the bears on the day of release. The traps will not be set until April 6, allowing each yearling time to get used to the traps and become comfortable entering them.

The Center’s two Black Bear yearlings have settled into their winter routines in the Bear Complex. Both bears are now spending most of their time in their dens, though they remain active each day, emerging to forage and explore the enclosure. Double Lavender tends to stay in the den longer, while No Tags is often up earlier, roaming the Bear Complex. Rehabilitation staff report that both yearlings have lost some weight, which is expected during this time of year, and that each bear continues to maintain a healthy body condition.

In addition to their regular movement around the yard, No Tags was recently observed digging near a den entrance, scooping up leaves and moving debris—a natural denning behavior. This type of activity helps bears create and maintain a comfortable, insulated space for resting during the winter months. Rehabilitation staff are pleased to see the yearlings practicing this behavior, as den selection and preparation are skills they will need to use once they are released back into the wild.

Viewers watching the Critter Cams may have noticed that the Center recently received heavy snowfall. With continued low temperatures, the snow has frozen into a layer of ice, giving the bears their first experience navigating an icy landscape. 

Check out the videos below to see how the bears handled the recent layer of icy snow across their complex!

The Center’s two Black Bear cubs continue to do well in the Bear Complex. Both cubs have been healthy and active, with thick, seasonal coats and appropriate body conditions. As the season transitions into late fall and early winter, the Center's rehabilitation team has continued to adjust the cubs’ diets to match their seasonal needs. The bears are currently receiving meals composed of 8kg of protein (nuts, fish, meat) and 4kg of fruit, with portions gradually reduced as their metabolisms slow for winter.

On December 5, the Center received its first snowfall of the year—the cubs’ first time experiencing snow. Rehabilitation Intern Aanya noted that they were “very active during that first snow—running, playing, exploring, and really engaging with their environment.” Now that the novelty has worn off, the cubs are spending more time in their den, a normal shift in behavior as winter settles in.

Be sure to check Critter Cam #1 for a chance to spot the cubs between winter rest periods—and enjoy a couple of short videos of their playful reactions during the season’s first snowfall!

Our two Black Bear cubs continue to do well in the Center’s Bear Complex. Both cubs appear healthy and active, with thick, glossy coats and body conditions that indicate excellent overall health. Since their last recorded weights in August—19 kg (42 lbs) for cub #25-1199 (No Tags) and 16.3 kg (36 lbs) for cub #25-2408 (Double Lavender)—the pair have clearly continued to grow, though staff now assess their condition visually rather than through hands-on weighing to minimize human contact.

During peak hyperphagia in early fall, the cubs were consuming more than 500 pounds of food each week as they built up fat reserves for the winter months. Their appetites have now begun to level off, and they are receiving a diet made up entirely of protein and fruit—no vegetables for this pair! Both bears especially enjoy papaya, though No Tags tends to meat over anything else.

Rehabilitation Supervisor Alex Olvera reports that the cubs’ behavior remains appropriately wild. “They want nothing to do with us, which is perfect,” Alex said, “Every time we see them though, they’re together.” The two cubs are frequently observed foraging, climbing, and exploring side-by-side in their forested yard as they prepare for the colder season ahead.

Be sure to check Critter Cam #1 for a chance to spot No Tags and Double Lavender as they roam through the Bear Complex! In the meantime, enjoy a couple videos of some of the cubs' recent antics, including high tree branches and Halloween pumpkins. 

During the past two weeks, the Black Bear cubs have been eating excessively to bulk up in preparation for winter. To keep up with their growing appetites, the rehabilitation team has increased their diet to 7.75 kg of fruit, 5.5 kg of protein, and 3.75 kg of vegetables twice a day—roughly 524 pounds of food a week! The team notes that the cubs are especially interested in protein-rich foods like mixed nuts and superworms.

Recently, a generous supporter collected and donated a large bag of acorns for the cubs. The rehabilitation team placed the acorns in the bear yard, and the cubs immediately started digging in!

During the past two weeks, the Black Bear cubs have continued to do well in the Center's Bear Complex. In late September, the rehabilitation team increased their diet; the cubs currently receive two meals per day, with each meal consisting of 5 kg of fruit, 3.5 kg of protein, and 2.5 kg of vegetables. In total, Center staff are preparing and delivering roughly 185 pounds of food per week. 

Rehabilitation staff report that the increase in food is partly due to the cubs entering hyperphagia—a natural process during which Black Bears significantly increase their food intake to build up the fat reserves needed to sustain them through winter torpor. To support this seasonal change, the team is closely monitoring the cubs and adjusting their diet accordingly, increasing portions once the cubs begin finishing all their food.

During recent observations, the rehab team also noted that Double Lavender is now the larger of the two cubs! While the cubs are no longer weighed, staff conduct visual assessments several times a day and can see that Double Lavender is noticeably bigger than No Tags.

The Black Bear cubs have been doing well during their first month in the Bear Complex! The rehab team has been closely monitoring them via camera and reports that they are both healthy and continuing to grow. The cubs have been regularly using the pool in their yard and spending much of their time climbing and resting in the trees. Their activity level can vary, but they are generally most active during the evening hours.

Check out Critter Cam #1 for a chance to spot the cubs live in the Bear Complex!

On August 13, the veterinary team successfully moved the two Black Bear cubs from the Large Mammal enclosure to the Bear Complex. Prior to the transition, both cubs were sedated, examined, and weighed. 

Black Bear cub #25-1199 (No Tags): 20.00 kg
Black Bear cub #25-2408 (Double Lavender): 16.00 kg 

The exams did not reveal any health concerns. The cubs recovered well from their sedation in the transition area of the bear yard and, later that evening, were given access to the main bear yard—a large, natural habitat where they will have plenty of opportunities to climb, dig, forage, and practice the skills they need to learn to survive in the wild. 

You can watch the cubs settling in on Critter Cam #2 … if you can spot them!

On August 11, the final preparations for the cubs' move to the Bear Complex were completed. The yard and fence were thoroughly checked, and both cubs are now large enough to make the transition.

The veterinary team plans to move the cubs to the yard on the morning of August 13. Before the move, each cub will be anesthetized and undergo a thorough examination by the veterinary team, including a complete physical, blood work, a skin scrape test to check for mites, and weight measurements. After the exam, the cubs will recover in the yard under the close supervision of the rehab staff.

Until they are moved, you can watch the cubs on the Center's Cub Cam! To celebrate their last day in the LMI enclosure, the rehab team provided the cubs with a large morning meal, as well as enrichment activities — including blueberry-flavored bubbles in their tubs!

It's almost time for the two Black Bear cubs to move to the Bear Complex! Over the past several weeks, both cubs have continued to grow. Black Bear cub #25-1199 is already large enough for the move, and Black Bear cub #25-2408 is almost there. On July 30, the rehab team weighed her, and she was 11.8kg – roughly 26 pounds! The team anticipates transitioning both cubs to the Bear Complex in mid-August.

The Bear Complex spans two acres, with yards that provide a spacious natural environment where the cubs can climb trees, forage for food, build their own dens, and practice all the skills they need to learn to survive in the wild. Once the cubs are transitioned, they will have very little interaction with the rehab team and will primarily be monitored via remote cams.

In the meantime, be sure to watch the cubs on our Cub Cam while they are still in the LMI enclosure. Over the past month, the cubs have received a variety of enrichment activities, and watching them play on camera has been a highlight for many viewers. Check out the videos our team has captured!

On July 8, the veterinary team performed a check-up on Black Bear cub #25-2408 (Double Lavender) and found the wound on her back had healed well, and her toe injury is almost fully scabbed. The team removed the sutures from Double Lavender's back and weighed her -- she is now 6.45 kg, a gain of two kilograms since her admission.

After the exam, the rehabilitation team determined the two cubs were ready to be placed together and opened the chute of the LMI enclosure, allowing the cubs access to each other for the first time. Rehab staff monitored the introduction closely and reported that it went well.

"At first, both cubs briefly sniffed each other, then ran past one another to explore the other's enclosure.  After about 20 minutes, they started playing -- running, jumping, climbing, and wrestling. Despite her smaller size, Double Lavender was not overwhelmed!"

The rehab team continued to observe the cubs throughout the day and saw them playing intermittently before settling in to snuggle together. The cubs now have access to both sides of the LMI enclosure. Please note that the cub cam only covers the left side, so if you don’t see them on camera, they are likely in the right enclosure.

The Black Bear cubs of 2025 are growing! With the recent arrival of a new female cub on June 22, the Center is now caring for two cubs: Black Bear cub #25-1199 and Black Bear cub #25-2408. 

The new cub, referred to as "Double Lavender" in reference to her two lavender ear tags, has been placed in the chute of the Large Mammal Isolation (LMI) enclosure, where she can start acclimating to the Center's other cub. The two cubs are separated by a mesh fence, allowing them to interact safely without direct contact. On her first day in LMI, Double Lavender appeared apprehensive, but the rehab team reports that the two cubs have grown comfortable together and have been observed interacting through the mesh throughout the weekend.

Double Lavender arrived at the Center with several injuries; most have resolved, except for a wound on her back that is still healing. The rehab team plans to wait 7-10 days before placing the cubs together to ensure the wound fully heals. In the meantime, staff are providing daily meals and plenty of enrichment to both cubs. So far, Double Lavender seems to particularly enjoy berries.

During the past week, Black Bear cub #25-1199 has continued to grow -- and so has her collection of enrichment items! On June 19, one of the Center's supporters stopped by to drop off a care package for the cub, which included a large Kong and a Jolly Ball for her to play with.

Rehab supervisor Alex said, "The cub is obsessed with her new toys! We placed superworms inside the Kong, and she spent hours batting it around and trying to get to the worms inside. It has helped keep her active, both mentally and physically."

Check out this video the team captured! 

Want to help care for the cub? You can! Simply make a donation online and include "cub care" in the comments. Our team will ensure your gift goes directly toward supporting the cub’s needs.

During the past week, Black Bear cub #25-1199 has remained active in the Center’s LMI enclosure, spending more time exploring her water tub and climbing structures. The cub now weighs 7.59 kg and is in the process of transitioning to whole foods only, including fruits, vegetables, greens, and protein items.

Earlier this week, the rehab team gave the cub cracked nuts for the first time, and according to rehab team lead Mac, she "immediately devoured them ... she also enjoyed digging for earthworms this week!"

The Center has yet to admit an additional cub, so the team continues to encourage playtime and exploration by adding enrichment to the enclosure daily. The team reports that the cub is exhibiting normal behavioral patterns and showing no signs of stress.

Check out the latest video and photos of the cub as she explores and plays!

During the past week, Black Bear cub #25-1199 has continued to do well and has spent much of her time exploring the LMI enclosure. The rehab team reports that she continues to eat well and gain weight (she’s currently up to 6.48 kg) and has been observed climbing, tearing bark from the trees in her enclosure, and taking dips in her water tub.

Last week, rehab staff added two large stuffed animals—a bear and a squirrel—to the enclosure to provide comfort and companionship, since the Center has yet to admit another bear cub. According to rehab team lead Mac, “… SHE LOVES THE SQUIRREL! She seems to really love both stuffed animals, but for different reasons. We notice in the evenings she plays with the squirrel, wrestling with it, jumping on it, and dragging it around. Then later, she’ll use the bear stuffed animal to curl up on and fall asleep."

Although another cub has not yet been admitted, cub #25-1199 continues to progress well on her own, exhibiting normal behavioral patterns and no signs of stress. The rehab team will continue to closely monitor her – and you can monitor her too! The cub is now featured on the Center's live-streamed Cub Cam.

During the past week, Black Bear cub #25-1199 has continued to do well. The rehabilitation team reports that the cub is eating well and currently receives one formula feeding per day, two mush bowls, and two meals consisting of whole fruits and vegetables. Rehab Team Lead Mac noted that the cub will eagerly eat most foods, but is not particularly fond of vegetables. 

On May 27, the cub weighed in at 5.24kg—big enough to move to the left side of the LMI enclosure. Rehab staff will move her there soon, once the space has been properly prepared. In the meantime, since the Center has not admitted additional cubs to pair with her, staff are planning to acquire a large stuffed animal to provide comfort and companionship to the cub.

During the past week, Black Bear cub #25-1199 has been doing well in the Center's LMI chute. On Monday, the cub weighed in at 3.9 kg, a significant increase since admission. Rehab staff report that she is eating all of her food and is currently receiving bowls of formula, mush bowls, and bowls with whole fruits and vegetables as she transitions to a fully whole-food diet.

Rehab team lead Mac reports, “The cub likes to go from bowl to bowl to bowl and then start back over, taking one bite or sip at a time. She’s tried lots of new foods and particularly likes watermelon, egg yolk, and blackberries.”

In addition to her diet, the cub is receiving fresh browse and enrichment daily. To help her stay active in the absence of other cubs, rehab staff are also providing supervised access to the larger LMI enclosure for exploration and play. The team reports that the cub is feisty, so at this point, all care is mostly hands-off.