12 rehabilitated bear cubs released into the wild in North Carolina: wildlife commission
By Marisa Sardonia
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NORTH CAROLINA (WLOS) — Twelve black bear cubs have been successfully rehabilitated and released back to the wild, state officials confirmed.
These efforts were part of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission’s long-running cub rehabilitation program, according to a press release from the commission. The program began in 1976 to help restore the state’s black bear population, the wildlife agency said.
This most recent release back to the wild included four cubs from the coastal region and eight from the mountains.
A video released by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission showing two young black bears being released into the wild after being rehabilitated. (Photo: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission)
NCWRC said it receives orphaned bear cubs starting in late January, with most arriving between April and June. The cubs are then placed with either the North Carolina Zoo or the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge, where they receive specialized care and food until they are between 7 and 8 months old.
Cubs are then released in early fall when natural foods such as acorns and berries are in abundance, the wildlife commission said.
The NCWRC advises that a bear cub seen alone is rarely orphaned, as the mother is often nearby. Intervening with the cub could separate it from its mother and potentially cause harm, according to the NCWRC.
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