**Orphaned Bear Cubs Take Major Steps Towards Rewilding at San Diego Humane Society**
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A pair of bear cubs, currently around four months old, have made significant progress in their journey towards reentry into the wild, following their arrival at the San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) earlier this year. The twins were orphaned after their mother was humanely euthanised by California authorities due to her involvement in two public safety incidents. In March, the needy cubs found refuge at the Ramona Wildlife Center, where dedicated staff have been working diligently to ensure their successful rehabilitation.
After several months in the care of SDHS, the bear cubs have now transitioned to an outdoor habitat designed to facilitate their exploration and independent feeding. Autumn Welch, the wildlife operations manager at SDHS, shared her thoughts on this important step, stating, “Moving outside is a big step. The cubs are gaining confidence, exploring, and learning the skills they’ll need to survive on their own.”
Upon their arrival at the facility, the cubs’ ages were estimated to be between two to three months old. Understanding the risks of dependency on human care, SDHS has focused on fostering a level of independence in the twins. Staff have employed several innovative techniques to minimise the cubs’ contact with humans, thereby ensuring they maintain their natural instincts.
To achieve this, caregivers have limited their interactions, often donning bear masks and furs during feeding times. Further efforts include applying “natural scents” to disguise their human odour and crawling on hands and knees whilst within the bears’ habitat. Welch noted, “We don’t want them to associate with humans in any way if they are going to have a chance to survive in their natural habitat.”
At this new stage of their rehabilitation, the twins are becoming increasingly independent and adapting to the behaviours necessary for survival in the wild. Their upcoming phase will involve time spent in a specially designated den area within the Ramona Wildlife Center. This outdoor space has been thoughtfully designed, featuring locally sourced live-edge wood to encourage natural exploration. Once they have familiarised themselves with this environment, the cubs will gradually be introduced to a larger habitat while still retaining access to their den.
The dietary habits of the bear cubs have also evolved significantly since their arrival. Initially, they were reliant on being spoon-fed formula, but they have now progressed to eating gruel and solid foods, including fruit and foliage from local vegetation. This dietary shift is crucial for their growth and development as they prepare for life in the wild.
Given the rapid growth of the cubs and their increasing resource requirements, the San Diego Humane Society has made an appeal for public support to ensure these bear cubs receive adequate care during their rehabilitation journey. Donations will assist in providing food and resources vital for nurturing their independence and preparing them for the eventual return to their natural habitat.
In a statement, SDHS highlighted the importance of community involvement in the successful rehabilitation of these bears. They stated, “Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of these remarkable animals.”
With their innate curiosity and growing confidence, the twin bear cubs are well on their way to achieving the goal of being rehabilitated and thriving in the wild. The commitment of the San Diego Humane Society and its staff exemplifies a compassionate approach to wildlife rehabilitation, emphasising the importance of preserving natural instincts and independence in young animals.
As these cubs embark on an exciting new chapter in their lives, the broader community is invited to follow their progress and support the vital work being done at the SDHS. The hope is that soon, these once-orphaned cubs will be successfully reintegrated into their natural environment, where they can thrive and contribute to the ecosystem.
The journey of the twin bear cubs serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by wildlife and the collective responsibility to protect and care for the natural world. With public support and continued dedication from the San Diego Humane Society, a brighter future awaits these young bears in the wild.