WAYNESBORO, Va. (WRIC) — Two of three orphaned black bear cubs found in Orange County in mid-February found a new mother on Thursday after the Wildlife Center of Virginia rehabilitated them.
According to the center, the three orphaned black bear cubs were found by a construction crew on Wednesday, Feb. 14. At the time, they each weighed less than two pounds and the smallest of them was injured.
Stabilizing orphaned cubs can be a difficult process, with careful monitoring needed. The center reportedly tended to the cubs with specialized formula and provided them the necessary warmth, fluids and care to help them thrive.
-
Photos of the three orphaned cubs near the beginning of their stay with the Wildlife Center. (Photo: Wildlife Center of Virginia) -
Photos of the three orphaned cubs near the beginning of their stay with the Wildlife Center. (Photo: Wildlife Center of Virginia) -
Photos of the three orphaned cubs near the beginning of their stay with the Wildlife Center. (Photo: Wildlife Center of Virginia)
On Thursday, Feb. 22, the center reported that the bears had been receiving round-the-clock care. The two healthy cubs — both female — were growing at a rapid and healthy pace, gaining over 100 grams in weight.
However, the injured male cub continued to worry the staff as his condition did not really improve.
While the cut to his leg had healed, the damage his leg had received from being crushed was not getting any better — in fact, the center noted “significant normal changes” to his limb. An additional injury was found on his other leg, which the center described as a “significant fracture” to its growth plate.
Because of these substantial issues posed to the male cub, the veterinary team made the difficult decision to euthanize him on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
On Thursday, Feb. 29, the center shared a happier update about the two female cubs. Over the course of the previous week, the center reportedly had begun searching for dens with potential foster mothers. Biologists with the Department of Wildlife Resources led this hunt for a new home.
Thursday morning, the cubs were taken from the center to visit two possibly suitable dens. The first of these dens was found to not be a good fit, as the mother bear there had four cubs weighing twice what the two orphaned cubs did.
The biologists said this would have “been a burden on the mother, and given the size difference, she may have chosen not to care for the new additions to her litter.”
The second den, however, was a successful match. While biologists had difficulty assessing the mother bear directly, they observed she already had two cubs of about the same size as the two orphaned ones.
The biologists reported this mother bear was “in a great spot to take on a couple of fosters” and the orphaned cubs were gently given to her.
Early assessments by biologists report the two cubs appear to be receiving care from their new foster mother. According to the center, the mother bear and her litter will be monitored to ensure the cubs continue to be loved.
