Spring is the time of year when people may come across bear cubs that seem to be abandoned, but they are not and should not be approached, fed, picked up or touched. The mother is likely searching for food and has left the cubs in or under a tree. This is normal behavior, according to BearWise.org. The same is try for many animals that may leave babies unattended while searching for food.
It takes a lot of calories to stay in nursing shape and keep the cubs well-fed and growing; the mother bear may be two miles away. Or mom may be hiding nearby, stressed out and waiting for you to leave, so the longer you stay nearby, the longer the cubs will be on their own.
If you believe they are truly orphaned, take a quick photo of the cubs that shows the location (no selfies), note GPS coordinates if possible and immediately leave the area. Contact the BEAR League. If the cub is injured, contact Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center. | bearwise.org
BEAR EMERGENCIES
- BEAR League | (530) 525-7297 (24 hours) | savebears.org
INJURED ANIMALS
- Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center | (530) 577-2273 | ltwc.org
