Orphaned Bear Cubs Thrive in California Wildlife Center

Two orphaned black bear cubs have achieved a major milestone, moving into an outdoor habitat at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center. The brother cubs arrived at the center in mid-March, approximately two to three months old, after their mother was euthanized due to public safety concerns following an aggressive encounter in Monrovia. Wildlife officials determined the mother bear posed a significant risk after DNA testing confirmed prior aggressive incidents.

Specialized care was provided to the young cubs to prepare them for a return to the wild. To minimize human association, caretakers wore bear masks and used natural scents while feeding the cubs. Now about four months old, they are exploring their new "specialized den area" and learning natural survival behaviors. They have transitioned from formula to gruel and solid foods, including fruit and native plants, eating independently multiple times a day.