- Admitted
- March 9, 2026
- Cause of Admission/Condition
- Various
- Status
- Current Patient
Last Updated Jump to patient updates
In March, the Wildlife Center began caring for the first Black Bear cubs admitted in 2026. These young bears will remain at the Center until spring 2027, when they will be released around the time that they would naturally begin separating from their mothers.
To help the cubs retain their wild behaviors, only a small number of staff members provide direct care. Based on each cub’s age, size, and condition, they may be housed in an indoor Zinger crate, the Center’s Large Mammal Isolation enclosure, or later in the Black Bear Complex. Staff use general weight and developmental milestones to guide those housing transitions. Cubs are typically ready for outdoor housing once they reach more than 3.0 kilograms (about 6.6 lbs), and they usually move to the Black Bear Complex once they are more than 10 kilograms (22 lbs) and fully weaned from formula.
As the cubs grow, the Center uses temporary identification methods so staff can monitor them without unnecessary disturbance. Larger cubs receive colored ear tags, while smaller cubs may first be identified with a temporary fur clip and paint mark until they are large enough for tagging later in the season. Before release, most temporary tags are replaced with permanent green ear tags from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, which identify them as rehabilitated bears.
The 2026 bear cubs include:
Black Bear cub #26-0312 (Double Pink, female)
Black Bear cub #26-0647 (Orange and Yellow, male)
Black Bear cub #26-0648 (Double Blue, male)
Black Bear cub #26-0711 (Double Lavender, female)
Black Bear cub #26-0807 (Double Red, male)
Patient Updates
On August 5, the veterinary and rehabilitation teams successfully moved the four Black Bear cubs in LMI to the Center's Bear Complex. Before the move, each cub received a full exam, including a physical examination, bloodwork, and a skin scrape to check for mites. All four cubs were found to be healthy. During Double Lavender's exam, the veterinary team also closely evaluated her surgical site and reported that it has healed well, with no complications.
- Cub #26-0647 – 9.10 kg, Orange and Yellow ear tags
- Cub #26-1074 – 18.4 kg, Double Green ear tags
- Cub #26-1501 – 18.5 kg, Pink and White ear tags
Later that afternoon, staff opened the gate, giving the cubs access to the main yard and reuniting all seven cubs. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac reported that the reintroduction went very well. Double Blue and Orange/Yellow, who arrived at the Center together as siblings, were observed embracing one another shortly after being reunited. Double Lavender, who has shown a fondness for water throughout her rehabilitation, ran straight to the pool and “dove in like a seal.”
Now that all seven cubs are together in the Bear Complex, their care will become more hands-off as they continue developing the skills they need to survive in the wild. Staff will continue to monitor the group remotely while minimizing human interaction to help the cubs remain wild.
During the past week, Double Lavender has continued to recover well following surgery to remove her injured left eye. The rehabilitation team has been closely monitoring her surgical site and reports that it is healing well, with no signs of infection or inflammation. They also note that Double Lavender has remained active and has had no difficulty navigating the LMI enclosure.
The rehabilitation team has also begun planning to move the cubs currently housed in the LMI enclosure to the Bear Complex. Staff will wait until all of the cubs are large enough before making the move, but are tentatively planning to transfer the group (potentially including Double Lavender) at the end of July or in early August.
In the Bear Complex, Double Blue, Double Pink, and Double Red have continued to settle in and explore the yard. They have frequently been observed climbing, although they have not yet climbed to the treetops. Rehabilitation staff encourage the cubs to forage by placing food in different locations throughout the yard twice daily.. The cubs' current favorite foods are fish, watermelon, grapes, and artichokes.
On July 4, while monitoring the cubs in the Bear Complex via camera, staff discovered that Double Lavender had sustained a significant injury to her left eye. Despite a thunderstorm that temporarily interrupted power, the veterinary team was able to safely capture and sedate Double Lavender for a full exam in the Center's hospital.
During the exam, the veterinary staff found that the globe of Double Lavender's left eye was severely ruptured, an injury that could not be repaired. The exact cause of the injury is unknown, but based on its appearance and the absence of other injuries, the veterinary team suspects that she injured her eye on a branch in the Bear Complex.
After consulting with biologists at the Department of Wildlife Resources, the veterinary team determined that surgically removing the injured eye was the best course of action. Veterinary Research Fellow Dr. Olivia performed the surgery, and Double Lavender recovered well from anesthesia. Although the loss of vision in one eye presents an additional challenge, it does not necessarily prevent a bear from returning to the wild. Double Lavender's long-term outlook will depend on how well she adapts during her recovery.
For now, Double Lavender will remain in the Center's LMI 2 enclosure for close observation and supportive care while her surgical site heals. In the months ahead, the veterinary team will continue to carefully evaluate her progress, monitoring her ability to navigate her environment, interact with the other cubs, and locate food.
On July 1, the veterinary team successfully transitioned Black Bear cubs #26-0312, #26-0648, #26-0711, and #26-0807 to the Center's two-acre Black Bear Complex, a fenced area within the National Forest where they will have more space to roam and continue growing. Before being moved, each cub received a comprehensive exam, including a physical, bloodwork, and a skin scrape to check for mites. All four cubs were deemed healthy and received color-coded ear tags to help identify them.
- Cub #26-0312 – 11.7 kg, Double Pink ear tags
- Cub #26-0648 – 12.2 kg, Double Blue ear tags
- Cub #26-0711 – 16.7 kg, Double Lavender ear tags
- Cub #26-0807 – 10.36 kg, Double Red ear tags
You can now watch these cubs in the Bear Complex on Critter Cam #1!
The Center's three smaller Black Bear cubs – #26-0647, #26-1074, and #26-1501 – will remain in the LMI enclosure, where they'll have more time to grow before joining the others in the Black Bear Complex.
Sadly, despite ongoing monitoring, repeated evaluations, and consultation with ophthalmology specialists, Black Bear cub #26-1372 continued to show significant visual impairment that did not improve over time. While the cub adapted well by relying on her other senses, her visual impairment was ultimately determined to be severe enough to prevent her from successfully navigating and surviving in the wild in the future.
After much careful and thoughtful discussion and consideration, the veterinary team made the difficult but compassionate decision to humanely euthanize the cub on June 11.
Because the cause of the cub's visual impairment remains unknown, the team is exploring opportunities for additional postmortem evaluation. The unusual nature of the case may provide valuable information that could help veterinarians better understand similar conditions and inform the care of future wildlife patients.
In the meantime, staff will continue to closely monitor the cub and provide supportive care.
It's been a big week for the Black Bear cubs! On May 27, Black Bear cub #26-1501 was added to the group in the LMI 1 enclosure. Initially, she was placed in the chute with cub #26-0647, and separated from the larger cubs so that she could start acclimating through the mesh. She was a bit hesitant at first and showed a little food aggression, but she quickly became comfortable and was given access to the group, playing and exploring alongside the other cubs.
Most of the cubs have fully transitioned off of formula, and during the most recent weigh-in, each cub weighed:
- Cub #26-0312—6.1kg
- Cub #26-0647—2.96kg. Still receives bottle feedings three times per day.
- Cub #26-0648 (Blue)—6kg
- Cub #26-0711—has now surpassed the other cubs, weighing in at 7.2kg!
- Cub #26-0807—5.54kg, and according to Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac, he's “not so little anymore!”
- Cub #26-1074 (green)—5.1kg.
- Cub #26-1372—6.5kg. Continues to be housed in a Zinger in the Center's ICU while her leg wound heals.
- Cub #26-1501—3.46kg. Still receives formula offered in a bowl three times per day.
During the past week, the Center's Black Bear cubs have continued to do well! The three largest cubs are now fully weaned off formula and receive mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. During their most recent weigh-in, each cub weighed:
- Cub #26-0312—5.61 kg
- Cub #26-0648 (Blue Ear)—5.16 kg
- Cub#26-0711—5.0 kg.
- Cub #26-0647—2.07 kg
- Cub #26-0807—3.69 kg
- Cub #26-1074 (Green Ear)— 3.14 kg
During the past week, all five of the 2026 Black Bear cubs have continued to grow and gain weight! Their most recent weights are:
Cub #26-0312 – 4.9 kg (10.8 lbs)
Cub #26-0647 – 1.63 kg (3.6 lbs) and no longer needs overnight feedings
Cub #26-0648 – 4.22 kg (9.3 lbs)
Cub #26-0711 –3.93 kg (8.7 lbs)
Cub #26-0807 – 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs)
The three largest cubs are now housed together in the chute full-time, where they spend their days climbing, exploring, and playing. The two smaller cubs continue to be housed separately to support their growth, although all of the cubs are given supervised play time in the LMI enclosure and are becoming increasingly active.
Check out the videos below to see some of the cubs' recent, playful antics!
During the past week, the Black Bear cubs have continued to do well. On April 17, a new cub joined the group—Black Bear cub #26-0807. With this addition, there are now five cubs in the 2026 cohort.
On April 20, the rehabilitation team weighed each cub and shared the following report:
#26-0312: Up to 4.25 kg. Receives three bottle feedings and mush bowls per day, and staff have begun weaning her off the midday bottle.
#26-0647: Up to 1.3 kg. Receives four bottle feedings per day (including one overnight). He initially had abnormal stool, but that has resolved, and he is slowly gaining weight.
#26-0648: Up to 3.38 kg. Receives three bottle feedings and mush bowls per day, and staff are beginning to wean him off the midday bottle to encourage him to eat solid food.
#26-0711: Up to 2.84 kg. Still receiving treatment for a toe wound; once it heals, she can remain in the chute with the other cubs.
#26-0807: Up to 1.9 kg. Receives three formula feedings with mush bowls per day and is eating well.
All cubs are currently staying in the Center’s LMI enclosure, though the smallest—cub #26-0647—still comes inside at night for an overnight feeding. Introductions between the cubs have gone well, and the team reports that all are progressing in their climbing and exploring skills, jumping and playing throughout LMI 1.
Check out this video of the cubs in LMI!
Want to watch more of the cubs' antics? You can now watch these cubs live on the Center's Critter Cam #2! The cubs currently only have access to the chute, but are allowed to explore the enclosure while they are being supervised. Once they grow larger, they will be allowed access to the full enclosure.
All four of the Center's Black Bear cubs have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear cub #26-0312—the first of the group to be admitted—now weighs 3.8kg and has been moved to the Center's LMI enclosure. She currently only has access to the chute; once she is larger, she will be given access to the full enclosure. On April 13, Black Bear cub #26-0648 weighed in at 2.63kg and was also deemed large enough to move to the LMI enclosure; he is housed in a zinger on the left side of LMI. Under the supervision of the rehab team, the two cubs were introduced to each other for a short period of time. The introduction was successful, with both cubs curiously sniffing and eventually playing with one another.
Black Bear cub #26-0647, the smaller sibling of cub #25-0647, spends the day with his sibling in the Zinger in LMI, but has to be brought back to the Center's expanded ICU at night to be fed every 4–6 hours. While veterinary staff cannot rule out a congenital issue, additional radiographs did not reveal any abnormalities, and the cub has been eating well and now weighs 1.10kg. The team will continue to monitor him closely; once he is large enough, he will also be introduced to cub #26-0312.
Black Bear cub #26-0711, the most recent cub to come to the Center, now weighs 2.03 kg and was large enough to move to LMI. However, veterinary staff discovered that one of the cub's toes had an abscess that wasn't apparent on the initial exam. She is being housed in a zinger separate from the other cubs until her toe fully heals.