Orphaned Bear Cubs Thrive and Return Into The Colorado Wilderness!

Quick Smiles:

• Five orphaned bear cubs find freedom in the wild after rehabilitation.
• Careful measures ensure the cubs develop natural survival instincts.
• Frisco Creek’s dedicated efforts lead to successful releases.

In a delightful turn of events, five bear cubs have been given a new lease on life as they return to their natural habitat in Colorado. These young bears spent their summer at a rehabilitation center run by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department (CPW) in Frisco Creek. Their journey to this point was not without challenges.

Three of the cubs were rescued after their mother was euthanized for entering a home, while the other two were found separately. Black bears, unlike their brown or grizzly counterparts, often associate humans with food, posing safety risks when such associations occur. To prepare them for life in the wild, the cubs were nurtured at the rehab center, where they grew and learned to socialize.

A key part of their rehabilitation involved ensuring minimal human interaction. “There is no talking allowed near the pens where they are kept and the bears never see a person feeding them,” explained a CPW spokesperson. These practices help the cubs cultivate essential instincts for their survival outside human care.

On November 20th, the five cubs were released into the wilderness of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. This release is part of a larger effort by CPW, where “of the 25 cubs rehabbed at Frisco Creek this year, eight have now been released following three earlier this week.” The spokesperson further shared, “Eight more will go out next week, including some to Gunnison.”

The cubs still at Frisco Creek will continue to be cared for, ensuring they reach the ideal weight for release. “We like to get cubs over 80 pounds for release to give them an extra head start on getting through winter and the early spring months,” the spokesperson added. The dedication at Frisco Creek is evident, with a heartfelt acknowledgment: “A huge thank you to Sirochman and his family at Frisco Creek for the excellent care of these cubs.”

Their commitment varies each year, handling anywhere from four to 40 cubs in a single summer. The joy of seeing these creatures venture back into the wild is shared by all involved.

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