In their native environment, black bears are amazing animals who are majestic and strong.
Seeing them suffer and deteriorate to the point of near starvation is so tragic because of this.
Animal specialists at Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) in North Auburn, California, learned of a heartbreaking case in December 2024. They had witnessed many tragic rescues before, but this one left them completely stunned.
In El Dorado County, they discovered a baby black bear that was having difficulty surviving on its own. The bear had a serious skin illness, anemia, and dehydration. He looked down at his enormous paws and cowered in his box.
“Seeing a bear cub in such horrible shape was heartbreaking,” Chelsea Engberg, manager of marketing and outreach at GCWR, told The Dodo.
Being very hungry and orphaned probably set off a series of events that quickly deteriorated his health before rescuers intervened.
The struggling bear was carefully examined by rescuers, who also devised a treatment plan. Everyone knew the bear’s road to recovery would be difficult because he only weighted twenty pounds. However, they were committed to doing everything in their power to save him.
The cub’s bare face started to show symptoms of new fur growth after a few weeks of care.
“The fact that we are beginning to see fur fuzz grow on his face is an exciting next step in his healing journey, even though it might not seem like a big change,” GCWR wrote in a Facebook update.
The rescue crew’s optimism increased over time. The cub began to exhibit his wild, playful side as he played with toys and enrichment materials in his enclosure, including as a firehose hammock and a kiddie pool. To give him the best chance of getting back into the wild, the team stayed out of his way.
The cub’s transition into a brand-new bear by February was astounding.
“This bear cub is one of the most incredible recoveries we have ever witnessed, and we are constantly in awe of the wild animals in our care,” Engberg said.
When The Dodo reported on the incident in February 2025, experts stated that they needed more time to make a decision regarding the cub’s destiny. Whether he remains in a protected sanctuary or goes back to the wild will be decided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. In any case, it is obvious that everyone is looking out for his best interests.
The cub is still under the care of GCWR for the time being, and his amazing resilience has moved the team.
According to Engberg, “he was in such bad shape when he came that he didn’t even look like a bear in many respects.” “Everyone at GCWR is proud every day of the fact that he has regained so much of his fur and is still wild and uninterested in people.”
A heartwarming update and a new picture of the once-suffering bear, who now appears nearly unrecognizable, were then shared on GCWR’s Facebook page on May 13.
They claim that CDFW made the decision to move the cub to a refuge rather than reintroduce it to the wild.
If you haven’t seen this cub before, he was unwell and nearly furless when he arrived at our house late last year. He will be prepared to leave for his forever sanctuary home when they are ready for him, since he will shortly receive his final exam and vaccine schedule. As events unfold, stay tuned for additional information,” they stated.
With the support of the committed staff of Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, this unfortunate bear was able to turn his life around despite having a very difficult beginning, and we are so happy about it!
“His journey demonstrates the importance of team-based care in wildlife rehabilitation,” says GCWR’s Director of Animal Care, Dana Fasolette.
