Amazing wildlife rescue by this group of California hikers came upon a bear cub caught in a riverside pothole unable to get itself out. These smooth, circular holes carved into rocks next to rivers are also known as panholes or tinajas and formed when swirling water traps pebbles and sand in a rock crack, grinding them against the stone like sandpaper until a deep, circular hole is carved out. Due to their smoothness, getting an purchase on the walls to climb out can be extremely difficult and this poor baby bear had not way to escape by itself.
Group of hikers in California discovered and rescued a young black bear that was believed to have been stuck in the hole for several days.
by u/sco-go in Amazing
Folks on Reddit were clamoring for the second part of the video showing the conclusion of the rescue effort but the men had put away their phones to focus on the wellbeing of the cub. It eventually got out using a stick that they placed as a ladder rather than with their initial attempt using a rope.
While we do not encourage people approaching bears or any wildlife for that matter, these kind gentlemen had the best intentions for the animal at heart and successfully helped this cub from one might to imagine to be slow and painful death. Learn more about bear safety in California from California State Parks below.
California Bear Safety Guidelines:
While bears are captivating creatures, they pose a potential threat to both humans and pets. To minimize the risk of bear encounters in the campgrounds and other areas in the park during your visit, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Do not approach a bear or bear cubs. Mother bears will attack to protect their cubs.
- Keep food locked inside a vehicle, bearproof container, or inside your RV at night. Bears can open ice chests. Do not leave food in tents.
- Remove all trash to park-provided dumpsters when leaving your campsite and before going to bed.
- Minimize food and other odor products. Clean your dishes and utensils, keep your tent clean, and do not use fragrant perfumes, body sprays, or other scented products.
If you encounter a bear, it is important to:
- Make yourself appear large. Waive your arms, yell, make a loud noise. Do not run.
- If the bear attacks, fight back aggressively. Black bear attacks are very rare.
- Notify Ranger staff immediately or call 911 to report an aggressive bear.
