Hairless orphaned bear cub recovering at California rehab. See ‘remarkable progress’
A hairless orphaned black bear cub is showing “remarkable progress” after a California community worked together to rescue him, officials said.
The cub was “critically ill” with various health issues when he arrived at Gold Country Wildlife Rescue on Dec. 9, McClatchy News previously reported.
Officials weren’t sure the fragile cub would be able to improve — but he defied the odds and, by January, showed “remarkable progress.”
“What a difference 26 days can make!” the rescue said on Facebook Jan. 5. “Thanks to a combination of time, medication, and plenty of TLC, Black Bear Cub #24-3926 is showing remarkable progress. His once-itchy skin is much less irritated (he’s not rubbing on his straw nearly as much), most of the scabbing has cleared up and — excitingly — tiny patches of fur are starting to grow back!”
Staff is treating the cub for yeast and ringworm infections on his skin and infections deep in both ears, officials said in a Dec. 30 news release.
The infections were likely exacerbated by the stress of being orphaned, as well as malnutrition, officials said. The cub weighed only 20 pounds when he arrived, but reached 35 pounds by Dec. 30 and was “steadily gaining strength.”
“While it might not seem like a big change, the fact that we are starting to see fur fuzz grow on his face is an exciting next step in his healing journey,” officials said on Facebook on Jan. 10, along with a photo of the cub looking a bit perkier and more relaxed.
“Those sweet eyes say it all!” someone said in comments under the Jan. 5 post. “He’s as grateful as the rest of us!”
Several people commented the cub seems to look better and better with each update.
“While his condition remains delicate, it’s heartening to see how far he’s come,” the rescue said in the Jan. 5 post. “Our team is dedicated to keeping him comfortable, wild, and on the path to what we hope is a full recovery.”
Gold Country Wildlife Rescue is in Auburn, about a 40-mile drive northeast from Sacramento.
