Orphaned bear cubs from Dryden, Ont., area find new temporary home

Three young black bear cubs from the Dryden area are currently under the care of a southern Ontario rehabilitation center. The cubs, named Oscar, Oliver, and Ozzy, were separated from their mother when their den was disturbed by logging activities. Mike McIntosh, who manages the Bear With Us Sanctuary near Huntsville, is overseeing the care of these orphaned cubs.

McIntosh estimates that the cubs are around eight weeks old, which is the age when they would typically still be in the den with their mother. Despite having their eyes open, the cubs are not very mobile yet. They are still learning to crawl, often falling down and struggling to hold their heads up steadily due to their small size.

Because the cubs are too young to consume solid food, they are being bottle-fed formula by McIntosh and his team. However, this process is not without its challenges. The cubs have delicate digestive systems that are still developing, and any difficulty adapting to the formula could result in severe bouts of diarrhea, which could be fatal for them.

The ultimate goal is to release the cubs back into the wild near their original habitat in the District of Dryden. McIntosh emphasizes the importance of preserving the cubs’ natural fear of humans to ensure their ability to survive independently once they are released. Over the years, the sanctuary has successfully reintroduced over 800 bears into the wild in Ontario.

Martyn Obbard, an emeritus research scientist from the Ministry of Natural Resources, explains that at this time of year, the cubs’ mother is unlikely to return to look for them. Black bears in the boreal forest typically create dens under tree roots or fallen tree trunks, making them difficult to detect, especially during winter.

Obbard highlights the challenges black bear cubs face in the wild, with only half of them surviving their first year. Given the circumstances surrounding these orphaned cubs, rehabilitation efforts are crucial to increasing their chances of survival and preparing them for release back into the wild as yearlings next year.

The dedication and care provided by McIntosh and his team are essential for the well-being and eventual successful reintegration of these young bear cubs into their natural habitat. Their journey from orphaned cubs to thriving members of the wild bear population is a testament to the importance of wildlife rehabilitation efforts.