We hope you can donate towards our efforts!
 
No photos,videos,bear documentation, or any text! from Second Chance Wildlife,Inc.and /or our website & photo zone :http://www.beartodream.org    http://www.beartodream.org/photozone  may be used in anyway outside of the Maine Department Of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Biologist; without my permission! Dawn Brown.
*If others are gathering any text from our website,and our YouTube videos without SCWI permission,they need to stop!

"Bur Cub" 8-15-10 in a beech tree at SCWI
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8-16-10 Bur was released with a satellite collar,ear tagged,weight 44lbs.

WLBZ TV: WCSH TV: BUR BEAR IN THE NEWS!

WABI TV NEWS

Bear cub "Bur" from Second Chance Wildlife, Inc. was fitted with a satellite collar on 8-16-10 just prior to release. The collar  was contributed by Melissa Majkut,who is the  founder of The Bear stewards of Maine. Thanks!  SCWI is now in the process of trying to gain potential funding for 3 satellite collars...Check out SCWI WISH LIST!

I will update on  "Bur Cubs" progress 
"Bur Cub" was released on 8-16-10 in an area where the natural food sources are abundant! the sarsaparilla berries covered the terrain;this is why bur was released in this habitat.Before release while at SCWI,Bur had been foraging on larvae,berries,leaves,acorns...and he was supplemented only a bit with apples and puppy chow. Bur  was climbing trees,and would also stand on his hind legs when in thick cover to smell ,and taste the air =I believe this was a precautionary factor; he would also tree during the very windy days,and  always when it rained =when his senses were not good he was cautious.Yes nature can be tough ,but we are all hoping for the best for this bear cub,and he has shown good capabilities.From what we gathered from Bur's movements when the satellite has transmitted signals he has shown good attributes.When in rehab "Bur" arrived weighing only 7 lbs 4 oz.He was sadly orphaned,and had some how been separated from his bear mom. He was born in January 2010 in a winter den ,and he had spent his time there until he would eventually start to explore the wild with his mother in the Spring,he had skills already in place from the get go.He was just a little bear that was in need of a bit of help,so he could grow some,develop,and gain a few more skills prior to retuning to the wild! (Read more about "Bur Cub's Rescue" on this page,and others)
       
Contact information: Email: dawnbrown@hciwireless.net  Phone: 207-778-2902
If you would like to send us a donation, send to:
Dawn Brown
Second Chance Wildlife, Inc.
90 Mountain Road
New Sharon Maine 04955
Bear cub & yearling video from SCWI  GO TO:  http://www.youtube.com 
 

Cub Ice being bottle fed (bear rehabilitation)
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Dawn Brown:o) Maine licensed wildlife rehabilitator since 1997

Ice & Frosty
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Neonatal cubs

Dawn & Michael searching for moose sheds
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My husband & I enjoy spending as much time as we can in the woods

SCWI Board of directors: 

Dawn L Brown-New Sharon Maine:  Bear rehabilitator, and observes bear behavior, Michael R Brown-New Sharon Maine:  Helper  WE OWN & LIVE AT: 90 Mountain Rd.New Sharon,Maine 04955

Other voting board of directors:

Randy Cross-Bangor,Maine: MDIFW State Bear crew leader biologist,Jennifer Vashon-Bangor,Maine: MDIFW  State Bear & Lynx biologist-also helps with grant proposals,Benjamin Kilham-Lyme NH: Bear rehabilitator, and also observes bear behavior 

SECOND CHANCE WILDLIFE, INC. IS A COMPLETELY VOLUNTEER OPERATED ORGANIZATION,AND WE ARE NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. Keeping wild animals in need of rehabilitation WILD! Time gives experience,and teaches much on what to do ,and what not to do. Understanding wild animal behavior allows an animal to have human avoidance behavior (Take note:giving them space,leaves them not wanting anything to do with you=(avoidance),and in turn makes it aware to them that you want nothing to do with them either=keeping them wild.Though some wildlife rehabilitators may have a bit different view on this issue...to me, it is what seems to be working best over the long haul of experience with each individual who works with a particular species.(I keep records,and believe it is critical to understanding what may be in the best interest of the animal,for when it is  returned to the wild.AFTER RELEASE- having rehabilitated animals monitored by biologist only makes sense,so we know what is working & what is not)   
Check out the Videos!  Bur cub went into the 3 acre pen on: 7-18-10 he immediately went 50 feet up into an oak tree.He has very good bear cub behavior! more video coming soon! "Bur" when in the smaller bear pen  click here to play video "BUR" the cub has good cub behavior!  4 More video clips of cub "Bur" turn volume up:   click here to play video  click here to play video   click here to play video   click here to play video
Young Moose calf arrived on 6-25-10 with good instincts-this calf was orphaned up in Ashland,it had another sibling too,the mother cow was killed/vehicle collision (Nate Gould from the Maine Wildlife Park called, and asked if I would take it into rehabilitation-I said we have facilities and that would be fine : "Moose rehabilitation" I gave this moose calf  lambs milk ,and electrolytes too in a dish for 5 days=no bottle,along with browse,moose maintenance. Her continuing feedings consist of: moose maintenance with dry lambs milk powder added,and also browse,water 2Xdaily.She is healthy and growing.Video taken on 7-18-10 (24 days in rehabilitation)
Moose calf in rehabilitation for 38 days (video taken on 8-1-10)  click here to play video   click here to play video
 

Moose calf doing well in rehabilitation
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Arrived 6-25-10 (she has very good behavior)

MOOSE CALF DOING WELL
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NEW VIDEO

click here to play video MOOSE CALF STILL SHOWING GOOD BEHAVIOR ! 72 days in rehab.




 
Check out the (3) short video clips!

5-15-10 video of yearling resting in the blackberry patch in smaller bear pen.

5-19-10 Video of "Coplin" In The Rain=Bear cubs & yearlings going way up in the trees & staying there until rain subsides.

 
Read more about "Bur Cub's Rescues ". Thanks to all involved!

Warden Kevin Pelkey, drove 70 miles, made numerous phone calls, he had been  informed that there was a bear cub in a field on the Montieth Rd, in Bridgewater. the bear had been in the field for the last four days. Warden Kevin Pelkey had received a call a week prior from another individual who had seen the cub in the field on occasion. He then requested at that time that they leave the bear alone and give it a chance to reunite with its mother (The warden made a good choice wanting to make sure that the  mother sow definitely was not around-from time to time a mother bear can seperate from her cub/cubs. Warden Pelkey responded to the scene on 6-5-10 , he found a small bear cub, approximately/estimated 10lbs, with no sign of a mother around. The warden had contacted me ,and Biologist Jennifer Vashon . The Game Warden had captured,and rescued the little cub, and placed him in a dog kennel. The Warden then transported the cub to his residence where he fed him some evaporated milk/water/baby cereal, to hold him over the cub quickly ate everything. An old sheet was also placed in the kennel with the cub because the cub was extremely wet and shivering. The warden made plans to transfer the cub to Biologist Vashon that afternoon,who at the time was going to be in that area near Presque Isle. I corresponded with Biologist Jen Vashon who had cared for the little cub until the following morning,until we could pick him up on 6-6-10     


With time permitted other animals on a small scale will go to SCWI:
 This Little fawn was attacked by a coyote,his wounds were to the head,neck,and several scars/bite marks....he held on the best he could,My husband & I drove to rescue him on 6-28 10,and he was showing signs of shock by the time we got there to pick him up/rescue.The folks who called were doing everything they could to try and help this little deer get rescued-I had later found out that they had made other phone calls too.When able to get the fawn to the vets,he was said to be in shock ,and was given a shot to help him ,along with also being administered antibiotics for any infection,and staples for where his injuries were (diagnosis:concussion, along with possible brain damage).Much thanks goes to my veterinarian Dr.Robert Patterson for doing everything he could.During the rehabilitation process the little buck had fight to want to live,I was able to syringe feed him every 4 hrs, and then even get a bottle into him,I was also giving him antibiotics 1xdaily.Unfortionatly his injury made him only want to lean his head ,and neck in one direction;though I would try to gently straighten his head ,and neck with as little stress as possible so he could sleep comfortably.Sadly his brain just could not tell him how to get up on all 4 feet.I kept  him in very quiet surroundings,and as comfortable as could be.All honesty when Coyotes attack they are not very humane when trying to kill their prey, they have no mercy!      

Rescued on 6-28-10
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Fawn died evening of 7-1-10

Deer fawn while in rehab.he held on 4 days
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Coyote killed its sibling, and sadly this little fawn died too.

7-25-10 Bur cub way up in oak tree (3 acre pen)
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7-4-10 BUR the cub doing well!
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He went into the 3 acre pen 7-18-10
6-15-10 coplin in 3 acre pen foraging
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HE WAS RELEASED 6-17-10
5-14-10
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23 lb Small bear yearling/ approximately 16 moths old

6-6-10 (7lb 4oz male cub)
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Dawn with the new arrival "BUR" the bear cub.

Some supplement feeding can be necessary
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Puppy chow,esbilac,fast balance-G.I.,bene-bac,and it is also foraging too!

(Cub "BUR" rescued on: 6-5-10)("Coplin" the bear yearling released 6-17-10)
If you come across an orphaned or injured bear please contact your local Maine Game Warden,and or biologist..They will asses the situation to see If the bear and/or cub is in need of care,and will hopefully contact Second Chance Wildlife, Inc. Bear rehabilitation,research & release.  
Dispatch Centers: 

Gray
1-800-228-0857

Augusta
1-800-452-4664
Orono
1-800-432-7381
Houlton
1-800-924-2261
Dover-Foxcroft
1-800-432-7372

6-6-10 "BUR" the bear arrived
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Second Chance Wildlife, Inc.

6-6-10 7lb 4 oz male cub approximately 5 months
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6-22-10 cub BUR is forging on wild strawberries.
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He is doing great, and will soon be going into the 3 acre pen.

23 lb yearling arrived 5-11-10 in need of care
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Smaller bear pen

"Coplin the bear" in the News paper

"Coplin" way up in the tree! 3 acre pen 5-18-10
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He is doing well=using his skills in the large enclosure,he forages & is still getting supplements.
Coplin was ear tagged & tattooed
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released 6-17-10

Official PayPal Seal

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The little male yearling bear named "Coplin" went into the 3 acre pen on 5-17-10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 





The 23 lb yearling was very lethargic for the first couple days. I have been feeding out supplements to help the little one along.I guess it  was quite an event for this little bear.He was located up in Rangeley/coplin plantation-John Cochese had called Game warden Reggie Hammond ,and had told him the bear was hanging around for a few days on his porch,and in his barn,and that it seemed hungry.There was quite a bit of food that this bear was getting into.The little bear had been caught eventually with a catch pole;that being a bit  of a process in itself,we were told.The little bear had been in the carrier for a while,and then on the road traveling too..by the time we had gone to pick him up in Farmington,the little bear seemed very tired,and under stress.The supplements I have been administering have turned him around completely within a few days. I have been monitoring  behavior, and health frequently, making sure everything is okay ;to the best of my ability=whenever we are not at work.I think the peacefulness,and the quiet where we are located has helped the little yearling relax, and heal too.Now that the Little bear "Coplin" seems to be  feeling so much better, we had moved him into the 3 acre pen on 5-17-10 ; so he can just be a bear! This little bear will be released once showing a bit of growth, while also gaining more strength;the 3 acre pen will help greatly with this process! 

Correspondence from biologist Randy Cross:Most bears that weigh over 20 lbs in the den do survive, by the skin of their teeth maybe, but they usually do make it. 40-50 lbs is closer to the average we've been seeing in recent years. Weight is only a relative measure of body condition - a 25 lber can be a little butterball or a skinny bear. This one appears to be more the latter.
6-17-10 Coplin the bear was released back to the wild.He took off into the woods, and disappeared.There were lots of wild strawberries around; everywhere we had looked.On 5-11-10 Coplin weighed 23 lbs on arrival.On 6-17-10 Coplin weighed 48 lbs when released.  

  

About Us-Dawn & Michael ,The Bears,conservation...And Thanks To Others For Their Inspiration.

Take Note: Second Chance Wildlife, Inc. Has no members, and is a non government run organization,and is not controlled by the government,or the union.There is a total of (5) voting board of directors/ (5) individually minded.When release time is near-the bears are evaluated by the dept.,and SCWI primary care-taker (there is a complete discussion on what is in the best interest for each individual bear.) The bears will then be ear tagged,and collard in most cases.When the bears are collard their movements will be monitored,and it will also be documented if any bear shows up in the harvest report.The data that the biologist gather from rehabilitated bearshey  will be transferred/share with SCWI primary care-taker.We will then know how the bears are adjusting to the wild. the MDIFW biologist may also monitor other animals that are released from SCWI. The biologist will keep the primary caretaker informed on how the animal is adjusting to the wild

 

6-12-09 Biologist James Hall with Cub Lubec
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Biologist James Hall said the Bear cub was around a residence for about two weeks, no sign of the mother.He said the Cub was feeding in a commercial compost pile and was curled up on the individuals porch and stayed around the house for the entire period.He said the owner called an ADC agent and was concerned about the cub and wanted to know if he caught it would someone take care of it.He also added that the Cub was very tame, could walk right up to it.  Not aggressive at all, owner borrowed a catch pole, and enticed the cub with food & the cub came right over .No reported car/bear accidents or known shootings.  There are active blueberry fields nearby with bee hives, female could have been shot? The bear was picked up on the Dixie Road in South Lubec. Agent who picked up the cub was Dayrl  McCurdy.

-I would like to say thanks to Biologist Tom Schaffer who had first called about the little cub,James Hall,Daryl McCurdy, and all the other folks involved with wanting to help this little bear cub. 

peering while nestled in the blackberry patch
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6-12-09 Cub lubec went into rehabilitation (approximately 4 and 1/2 months of age)

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Cub is out growing the log.

A Note To The General Public:Bears will end up in your yard, near your home, or if you are camping; bears could possibly show up at your campsite:DO NOT FEED THE BEARS! Bear rehabilitation carries out a process of some supplemental feeding that may be necessary to help bear cubs,and/or yearlings that may be malnourished,and also when cubs may become orphaned,and may need just a bit of a boost in the beginning to help grow and develop properly. Here at Second Chance Wildlife a large % of a bears diet consist of what they would consume in the WILD! Keeping bears wild,and preventing conflicts between bears and people is crucial.If the general public ever comes across a wild animal that they feel may be in need of help/immediate care;do not go near it ! Call a Wildlife biologist and/or Game warden, Animal control officer, or a liscenced Wildlife Rehabilitator who specializes in bears to help assess the situation, and make sure the animal is in need of care to begin with."If You Care Leave Them There" This little cub was in need of rehabilitation for it is believed to have been orphaned,little cub is doing very well! He goes into the hollow log, and hides when I go to feed him some suppliments that are needed at this time.This cub is also forging in the smaller of the two pens, and has dug at the logs diligently,it also has made a couple day beds,and has runways through the blackberry bushes, this cub seems to have good cub behavior-the pen is thick with blackberry bushes,dandelion greens,grasses, small trees/logs... giving the little cub great cover.The cub just needs to do a bit of growing (Supplemental feeding consist of e.g. esbilac milk formula,puppy chow in a dish, while also foraging on greens,larvae....) bear cubs in the wild are weaned at approximately 5 months age from the mother sow.In rehabilitation I work on weaning cubs much earlier from the bottle.This little cub seems pretty content and docile while in the natural environment that is helping to teach it skills.It would be a bit better if there was another cub for cub "lubec" to be with while in rehabilitation,but I am happy to say little growing Lubec seems to have good cub skills for being a single cub. I hope to be able to have the cub go into the 3 acre bear pen soon;then it will have the opportunity to climb tall trees,swim,forag on a variety of natural feed;letting me have an oppertunity to monitor the cubs potential skills,and behavior prior to release.On rainy days Cub Lubec has been in his log for the most part -the rainy weather has put a damper on him exploring...rain ,rain go away and come back another day!!! I have noticed that the cub has been dragging grasses into the log;making it a bit more comfortable,while adding more camouflage at the entrance of the hollow log.(good behavior).When the rain subsides you can see where the cub's activity is visible throughout the pen.(little cub territory)       
Bear cub "Lubec" resting in a holllow log
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Cub has been scratching at loggs!
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You can see where the cub made a day bed when not raining!

 
Blackberry Bushes are thick in the pen
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Cub Lubec liked the thick cover the pen provided

This cub is still elusive even in the smaller pen,the only reason I am even able to get a photo is because it hides in the log whenever it hears something; I am able to take a quick photo at the entrance of the log.Just recently when there was a break in the weather,and while also outgrowing the hollow log; cub lubec is foraging, and resting in the blackberry patch. When the little cub goes into the large facility It will more difficult to monnitor its behavior, health...for it hides so much of the time.(Need more monitor cameras) If there was more than one cub in rehabilitation at this time, odds are they would be in the larger pen because I believe there would probably be a bit more visible cub activity.I am going to give this cub just a bit longer before the big move into the large pen, by also preventing any worries of any possible escape i,e, I have had very young cubs in the large pen prior, but they were raised from neonates and were larger than cubs in the wild (Biologist Randy Cross said Maine Cubs in the wild in June can weigh anywhere from 12 lbs to 17 lbs.) Cubs I  had started in rehab from neonates had weighed in the month of June were 36 lbs & 38 lbs big difference! These cubs were in the larger pen at a much younger age,as you will see if you view the website-these same cubs in the month of March weighed 13 lbs.  
        

   
   
   

 3-19-08 MDIFW Bear crew below with Ice-She has a GPS collar now! Ice the bear has proven herself ;that she is just living life as a bear,and adapting to life among other bears within the bear study area-We were able to see two other hibernating bears not far from Ice-all three  bears were hibernating/nestled far beneath the snow cover.The Bear Study/Crew keeps a close eye on "Maine Black Bears" Monitoring their health,reproduction,disbursement ,and so much more...Ice along with other bears in the wild will deal with the elements of nature ,and other obstacles that bears have dealt with for generations.Having an understanding, and doing our part is what it is all about. 

(3-19-08) 2 year old ice in her winter den
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biologist had monitored her with a GPS collar

 From left to right: Biologist Randy Cross,Dominic Grenier,Kendall "Hoss" Marden & Dave"Cap" Pert.

 It sometimes may take a bit of time for cubs,and yearlings to mature enough to survive on their own; In the wild they stay with momma bear approximately until they are 16,17 months they soon get kicked out=disperse/leave because the female sow will be going into estrus,and will be bred again when an adult male bear is within her territory-breeding season is anywheres from June,July into August. The sows  female yearlings may share/pass through the mother bears territory from time to time.Male yearlings typically travel,without returning.      

The Cubs pads/feet were rough by having the large bear facility; it allows bears to develop physically the same as they would in the wild.
Bears shed their pads each winter while in hibernation.Their new pads get rough after they awake from their long winters nap;as they start walking,climbing,and exploring in the wild. 

Rain & fog=cubs & yearling bears going up in trees
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Cub Lubec while in 3 acre pen (he is living in the wild now)
Lubec in 3 acre pen photo 10-11-09
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Released into the wild on 10-16-09

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This three acre bear rehabilitation/temporary sanctuary pen gives bears an opportunity to just be bears; while also preparing them  to return to the wild ! Having a chance to monitor bear behavior has  been rewarding -the learning never ends.

This is Icicle "Ice" Just before hibernation in 2006 while in captivity.She has been in the wild for over a year now. I feel truly blessed! (Ice has given hope for neonatal cubs returning back to the wild after the rehabilitation process.)

Bears that have been cared for at Second Chance Wildlife , Inc. Will eventually be released back to the wild,and then monitored with the help of the MDIFW bear study  (Much Thanks!)Working together only enhances knowledge . Bears make a living packing on calories for survival! A bears diet consist of : vegetation, nuts -i.e., acorns, hazel,Beech.. a variety of berries, also larvae, ants, beehives.. amphibians, small/large mammals -carrion/rotted meat. Mature bears have been known to kill fawns and even moose calves; Bears are opportunist!

Neonates Ice & frosty in rehab
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             They were thought to be frozen!
           A glimmer of hope when they were
          thawed out and showed signs of life!
                      It left many in awe!
                   Guidance and Strength
                    "Frosty"        "Icicle"

    
 

Dawn with "Ice" 2-8-06
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Neonatal cubs can be rehabilitated & return to the wild

I would feed cubs every 2 to 4 hours in the early stages.
Then have them eating out of a dish as soon as possible.

Ice & Frosty
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Biologist Kendall Marden & Katie weighing cub.
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10 oz. neonatal cub Patten
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in rehabilitation

Biologist Randy Cross said Patten's mother died mysteriously in mid summer 2007 (possible road kill)
There would be No winter den check in 2008.It is very sad.It will most likely be unknown of the outcome of Patten,
 and his siblings now.--Patten contributed much information/data. We will hold a glimmer of hope that
he may have survived. 

Cub Patten on the right
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when checked in with sow & siblings

 

The cubs in this beautiful three acre pen. I must say these cubs had many abilities at a very young age. They were climbing trees, walking in the snow, and swimming, at a bit over three months of age. I noticed that by exposing the cubs to the wild elements at a very young age that they have unbelievable capabilities! I noticed that my presence made them feel secure and safe, but as far as them learning. . . I was more an observer then a teacher. The cubs did not need me to teach them how to swim, climb or forage. Were the cubs scared when they were 50-60 feet up in a tree ? Yes! But they got down on their own without any help and soon had no fear what-so-ever. As cubs I exposed them to a variety of natural foods. I ground acorns and hazelnuts, berries, larvae, and greens and mixed it in their formula. Not sure if this helped them to forage or not. I believe it would come naturally to them. I continue to learn from this incredible species. In the wild, when cubs are with mother sow the biggest thing she does is protect and teach them to be cautious. A huge part of survival! In rehabilitation, cubs are not experiencing the same "dangers" that they would while in the wild with mother. Their innate survival skills are developed within our large natural enclosure. I have seen the cubs get startled and go way up in a tree (this is great human avoidance behavior). Some cubs are better at this than others. All have unique "animalities".Over time we will learn the most beneficial time to release bears (i.e., cubs or yearlings during active season or den season). We do the best we can and hope for successful release.
  • Cubs like Lubec that had been with the mother sow for a period of time i.e.,4+ months;he had held onto very wild traits/instincts, making an earlier release very promising for him (late summer? ,but fall/autumn release worked well) 
  • Very young neonatal cubs in rehab.I believe should either go in with a surrogate sow if the option is available, or be released into a pre-made winter den/or den box the following year,or possibly be released at 16 months=bears just wanting to be in the wild at this stage of development,this is when they disperse from the mother sow in the wild.The reasoning for a later release ? is because I have come to the conclusion that  if a denned sow cannot be found for neonates,then the  next best option is for neonatal cubs to stay in rehabilitation longer, so that they can  actually mature,and gain better skills prior to release,otherwise they are probably going to get into trouble.There maturity simply is not as good, i.e., such as a cub like lubec, because he had spent some time with his mother, making him to have gained complete human avoidance/more wild.  
  • Positive outlook for neonatal cubs:As neonatal cubs mature  in a natural environment, such as our bear facilities,they can eventually mature similar to bears in the wild ,while gaining good skills, and eventually can be released back to the wild successfully i.e.,yearling "Ice" being released  into a winter den the following year has proved to be  very effective,and had created a successful release; by her spending time out in the wild prior to waking, seems to have been a + too!    

      

      

Cubs exploring in the early Spring
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