An orphaned black bear cub discovered in a severely underweight and injured state is now under the care of the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation after being found attempting to den under a resident's deck in Slave Lake, northern Alberta.
Rescue and Initial Assessment
The male cub was transported to the AIWC facility by Alberta Environment and Protected Services. Upon intake, he weighed a mere 12.5 kilograms, which is less than half the healthy weight expected for a cub of his age.
Possible Causes of Condition
Wildlife experts at AIWC believe that the cub's mother was likely killed, preventing him from gaining the necessary weight during the fall season to enter hibernation properly. This tragic circumstance left him vulnerable and struggling to survive in the wild.
Injuries and Treatment
During the initial examination, the cub was also found to have sustained injuries to his paw and nose. These wounds are possibly the result of digging through crusted snow in search of food or shelter, highlighting the harsh conditions he faced.
Rehabilitation Process
Due to his poor physical condition, it is unlikely that the cub will hibernate while receiving care. AIWC estimates that it will take several months for him to regain the weight required for survival in the wild. The organization anticipates that his rehabilitation will continue until a planned release in June 2026.
Conservation Success and Support
Since 2019, the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation has maintained a 100 percent rehabilitation success rate, having successfully released 22 black bear cubs back into their natural habitats. This track record underscores their expertise and dedication to wildlife preservation.
For those interested in supporting their non-profit conservation efforts, more information is available on the AIWC website. The organization relies on community backing to continue its vital work in rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife across Alberta.
