“[O]ne of the most amazing recoveries we have seen.”
Rescued Bear Cub Defies the Odds in Heartwarming Recovery
This past December, animal experts at Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) in North Auburn, California, welcomed a fragile new resident—a young black bear cub struggling to survive alone in El Dorado County. Severely dehydrated, anemic, and suffering from a painful skin infection, the cub cowered in his crate, barely resembling the wild creature he was meant to be.
“It was heartbreaking to see a bear cub in such terrible condition,” said Chelsea Engberg, GCWR’s marketing and outreach manager.
Rescuers quickly developed a treatment plan, knowing his road to recovery was uncertain. But after weeks of care, a hopeful sign emerged—soft fuzz began growing back on his face. As his strength returned, so did his playful nature. The once-weak cub soon found joy in his enclosure, splashing in a kiddie pool and lounging in a firehose hammock.
By February, the transformation was remarkable. “We are always amazed by the wild animals in our care, and this bear cub is one of the most amazing recoveries we have seen,” Engberg shared.
While experts continue to assess his future, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will ultimately decide whether he can be released into the wild or placed in a protected sanctuary. Until then, the cub remains at GCWR, thriving under the dedicated care of his rescuers.
“He was in such poor condition when he arrived that he didn’t even resemble a bear,” Engberg said. “Now, he’s wild, strong, and uninterested in humans—just as he should be.”