- Admitted
- May 2, 2025
- Rescue Location
- Various
- Cause of Admission/Condition
- Various
- Status
- Former Patient
Last Updated Jump to patient updates
On May 2, the Wildlife Center admitted the first Black Bear cub of 2025, and just one day later, a second bear cub came in, starting the Black Bear cubs of 2025 cohort.
The first Black Bear cub, #25-1125, was admitted after he had been observed alone on a roadway in Lexington, Virginia. The finder left the cub in place overnight, hoping the mother would return, but the cub was found in the same spot the following morning. The cub was brought to the Rockbridge County Sheriff's Office, and from there, Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) biologists transported him to the Center.
On admission, the cub was vocalizing and feisty, weighing in at 1.24kg. Vet staff anesthetized the cub for an exam and found that, despite his temperament, he was in very poor shape. He had a very thin body condition and moderate dehydration, as well as numerous ticks around his eyes. Radiographs revealed mild changes to the cub's lungs, which could be an early sign of pneumonia. The most concerning finding was the cub's notably small size for this time of year, which raises concerns that he may have a congenital issue which led to his abandonment.
The vet team has started the cub on fluids, antibiotics, and anti-nausea meds. Despite treatment, the cub has continued to decline, showing lethargy and difficulty digesting food. The team will continue to provide supportive care and closely monitor his condition.
The second cub, #25-1199, came to the Center from Giles County after she was found at a campsite licking dirty dishes and eating scraps of food off the ground. After no signs of a mother nearby, DWR biologists brought the cub to the Center for care.
On admission, the cub was bright, alert, and feisty, weighing 2.13kg. Vet staff examined the cub and found that she was thin and dehydrated, with a moderate burden of ticks. Radiographs also revealed mild changes to this cub's lungs, possibly a sign of pneumonia.
The vet team has started this second cub on antibiotics, fluids, and supportive care. So far, the cub has responded well to treatment, and rehab staff report that she is active and behaving normally.
Both cubs are currently being housed in the Center's Large Mammal Isolation enclosure, where they can see and hear each other, though they are housed in separate zingers (crates) in case either has a contagious bacterial or viral infection. The rehab team is feeding the cubs four times a day, with the male receiving formula and the female eating mush bowls entirely on her own.
With mother bears and cubs on the move, there's an increased chance you might come across a cub during this time of year. If you find a cub you are concerned about, contact DWR's Wildlife Conflict Helpline (or your state's wildlife agency) before intervening. If you must pick up a cub, never handle them bare-handed; always wear gloves to ensure you have no direct contact with the bear.
For more information on living side-by-side with bears, visit DWR's Be Bear Wise page.
Patient Updates
Sadly, on the morning of May 10, Black Bear cub #25-1125 was found deceased during morning treatments. Despite the veterinary team's best efforts, including additional diagnostic testing that came back inconclusive, the cub continued to decline. The team suspects that he passed due to a congenital disease and is sending the cub's body off for testing to determine the exact cause of death.
Black Bear cub #25-1199 has continued to do well in care. The rehab team reports that she is eating consistently, gaining weight, and beginning to transition to solid foods. On May 11, rehab staff moved the cub out of her zinger and into the chute of the LMI enclosure, where she has more space to climb and explore. The team is also providing supervised playtime in the LMI's right enclosure.
Until another cub is admitted to the Center, staff will provide increased playtime and interaction, as socialization is an essential component of a young Black Bear’s development. While the cub is not yet visible on the Center's Critter Cams, stay tuned—Cub Cam will return later this spring!