Initial Rescue and Care
Campers discovered the cub in on April 12, leading to his rescue by the after his mother failed to return. He was underweight and malnourished, weighing about three pounds initially.
The cub has shown remarkable recovery, gaining nearly 10 pounds and achieving several developmental milestones, including learning to climb, within five weeks of being rescued.
Rehabilitation and Future Plans
To prevent the cub from human imprinting, caregivers don bear costumes and interact with him in habitats designed to mimic the wild. This includes feeding him a diet similar to what he would have eaten in the wild.
The plans to release the cub back into the wild when he turns one, aiming to ensure he can survive independently. This approach aligns with similar efforts elsewhere, indicating a high survival rate for rehabilitated orphaned bears.