Bear Cub Successfully Returned to Wild After Being Harassed by Locals in North Carolina

A bear cub, previously rescued from a tree in North Carolina, has been reintroduced to its natural habitat. The state's Wildlife Resources Commission revealed that the cub was released last month in a secluded mountain region in western North Carolina. A short video captures the cub dashing from a carrier towards the camera on a narrow road before turning and sprinting into the forest.

In April, commission staff responded to reports of people disturbing bear cubs at an apartment complex in Asheville. Witnesses reported that two cubs escaped after one bit a person. A video shared by the commission showed individuals pulling cubs from a tree, with one person posing for a photo while holding one of the wild animals. After a loud noise, the person dropped the cub, which then ran towards a nearby fence.

Bear Cub Rehabilitation and Release

One of the cubs was later found in a retention pond, wet and shivering. Ashley Hobbs, coordinator for BearWise, captured the cub and described it as "lethargic and frightened," favouring one paw. The cub was taken to a rehabilitation centre, but the second cub was never located. After ensuring its health and survival ability, the rehabilitated cub was fitted with a tracking collar and identifying tags before being released.

The commission investigated the incident but did not file any charges. Data from the tracking collar indicated that the bear was adapting well to its new environment. Hobbs noted that "like most rehabilitated black bear cubs, we expect this cub to follow its instincts this winter and identify an appropriate location to den." She added that "bear cubs are resilient animals, and it looks like this cub won't be an exception."

Advice on Bear Cub Encounters

Wildlife biologists from the commission advise that when bear cubs are seen alone, their mothers are usually foraging nearby. They caution against attempting to capture a cub as it could unintentionally separate it from its mother or cause harm to the animal. The staff member who released the cub used a noise-maker to reinforce its fear of humans, ensuring it remains wary of human interaction.

The Wildlife Resources Commission continues to monitor the situation closely. Their efforts highlight the importance of responsible interaction with wildlife and ensuring that animals can thrive in their natural habitats without unnecessary human interference.