A malnourished black bear cub is doing much better since it was rescued from the slopes of Hunter Mountain in New York State on March 15th.
The bear was discovered near the Madison Square Ski Trail by resort employees who ushered into the nearby woods. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation police officers were called in and discovered the tiny bear hiding in tall grass near the ski trail.
The cub was lethargic and extremely malnourished and dehydrated. It attempted to climb a tree to escape capture but had a difficult time even walking. The wildlife officers were able to hand catch the cub and took it to the nearby Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center rehab center where it was weighed in at a scant 15lbs (bears this age usually weigh 40lbs).
The rehab center believes the black bear yearling survived a very cold winter alone after losing its mother. Extremely frail, the bear could not eat solid food and was fed a special soft diet, including baby food. After a few days under car he was able to start eating solids on his own. 10 days after intake the little bear was up to 21 pounds.
The bear will continue to will receive care until it’s healthy enough to be released back into the wild.
Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center:
This black bear yearling survived a very cold winter alone. We deduce he lost his mom early on but found enough nutrition to hunker down for a few months until the recent warm weather.
Spotted on Hunter Mountain near the trails, he was so weak he could barely walk, never mind climbing a tree to safety. When responding, I was surprised to be able to pick him up and carry him out, a rare occurrence. He weighed only 15lbs. On average, bears of his age would have 40lbs on them now.
He was so frail he could not eat solid food. With supportive care and a special soft diet, including baby food, after a few days he was able to start eating solids on his own. Ten days after intake, we were happy to see he was up to 21 pounds! At this point he was able to be brought to an outdoor enclosure where he now continues to enjoy his meals and condition himself to climbing. That space is adjacent to the 6 bears that have been wintering over with us for Spring release.
In a few weeks as he packs on more weight, we will introduce him to the other bears.
