Hairless, orphaned bear cub gets chance to survive thanks to determined CA community
A hairless, orphaned bear cub tugged at the heartstrings of residents in a California community where the cub was repeatedly spotted — and clearly in need of a helping hand.
It was suffering from an obvious skin infection, as well as other health ailments, wildlife rescuers said.
But area residents and state wildlife officials alike struggled to capture the surprisingly mobile little cub, according to posts in a Facebook group for animal adoptions and rescues in El Dorado County.
A determined El Dorado resident spent three days searching for the cub, and on Dec. 9 it finally paid off. She and her husband managed to capture the cub with help from another couple that stopped to help, and they took it to one of four wildlife rescue organizations permitted to rehabilitate black bears in the state, USA Today reported.
The young male cub found in the Coloma area was “critically ill” and in poor condition when he arrived — “severely dehydrated, anemic, suffering from serious ear infections in both ears, an obvious skin infection, and severely underweight,” Gold Country Wildlife Rescue said in a news release on Facebook.
Veterinarians thoroughly examined the cub and took cultures and blood work to find out whether the skin infection is bacterial, fungal or both, the rescue organization said.
The cub’s health was “very delicate” at the time, and rescue officials weren’t certain it would be able to improve.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to help this cub but want to be transparent: a successful outcome is not guaranteed,” the rescue said. “The cub must respond positively to treatment, care must be able to be provided in a way that avoids imprinting on humans, and his overall comfort and quality of life will remain a top priority.”
Rescuers added they are working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to make sure the bear is treated humanely while in the organization’s care.
In the meantime, the cub has been resting, drinking and gobbling blueberries and grapes with medication hidden inside — which turned out to be his favorite snacks, officials said.
Several people commented on the post saying the sight of the bear broke their hearts and they hoped the “little bear” would be on his way to recovering soon.
“Poor little buddy,” someone said. “At least he has a chance now.”
Some said they were grateful the determined residents took matters into their own hands to help the cub, despite not knowing what may have happened to the cub’s mother.
“I know civilians aren’t supposed to interfere or touch wildlife and youngsters especially, but in this case I’m glad they did,” someone said.
“No matter what the outcome at least he/she will not suffer and die out there alone,” someone said.
Others suggested the tenacious little creature seemed to have a tremendous will to survive.
“He clearly wants to live. I hope he gets everything he needs so that he can start thriving again,” someone said. “He’s gone this far on his own. He deserves a real fighting chance.”
Coloma is about a 50-mile drive northeast from Sacramento.
