A black bear cub that was rescued from a group of people taking selfies with it is now thriving at the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina. The cub, which was torn away from its family in the wild, has been under the care of a dedicated team at the refuge and has even made a new friend. The cub is eating well and interacting with enrichment, showing positive signs of progress. The refuge team believes that the cub, along with another orphaned cub, will be released back into the wild in the fall.
The cub was brought to the animal sanctuary on the same day as a viral video showed a group of people pulling three baby bears out of a tree and over a fence at an Asheville apartment complex. Two of the cubs managed to run to safety, leaving their sibling behind. The actions of the group, although inappropriate, inadvertently may have saved the lone cub’s life as it appeared wet and cold when rescued. The Appalachian Wildlife Refuge took the cub into their care with the intention of returning it to the wild in the future.
The incident of the bear cub being torn from its tree has sparked feelings of frustration and anger for many viewers. The refuge hopes that witnessing the shocking visuals of the cubs being manhandled will prompt people to reflect on the challenges that wildlife face on a daily basis. While the actions of the individuals were concerning, they were not charged with disturbing the animals. Instead, they were cautioned on the importance of leaving bear cubs alone, even if the mother is not present. The refuge emphasizes the importance of respecting wildlife and allowing animals to be raised by their mothers in the wild.
Experts suspect that the three bear cubs had been left unattended in the tree for a long time, as it is uncommon for mother bears to leave their young during this time of year. The lone cub that was rescued was brought into the care of the refuge, where it is now flourishing under the supervision of the dedicated team. The refuge’s goal is to eventually release the cub back into the wild to live as a free bear. While it is always preferred for wild animals to remain in their natural habitats and be raised by their mothers, the refuge provides a safe place for animals that truly need intervention.
The Appalachian Wildlife Refuge works tirelessly to provide a safe haven for animals that require assistance, while also advocating for the protection and preservation of wildlife. The refuge emphasizes the importance of allowing wild animals to remain in their natural habitats and urges people to respect the boundaries of wildlife. While it is not unusual for baby animals to be temporarily away from their mothers during the spring and summer, it is crucial for humans to avoid interfering with wildlife and allow wild animals to be raised by their mothers wherever possible. Wild mothers have instincts that guide them on how to care for their young, and it is essential to respect their natural behavior.
