Orphaned Grizzlies Face Grim Reality After Release

Orphaned grizzly bear cubs released into the wilds of British Columbia have a surprisingly high mortality rate, with a recent study finding that most of the monitored bears died within a year of their release. These cubs, rehabilitated with a high-calorie diet, were often released at 3.5 times the size of wild-reared yearlings.

This excessive weight gain created a 'metabolic trap,' making it difficult for the bears to find enough food to sustain their large frames. Some individuals struggled to gain even 0.48kg (1lb) per day, even in areas with abundant food sources. This dietary challenge contributed significantly to their inability to survive in their natural habitat.

Compounding the survival challenges, many rehabilitated bears exhibited a dangerous lack of fear toward humans. Despite efforts to minimize contact before release, some bears persisted in approaching human settlements and work sites in search of food. This behavior led to several deaths due to human-wildlife conflict.

Experts emphasize that rehabilitation must be more hands-off, avoiding the tendency to treat cubs like pets. Methods like remotely delivering food and using tracking collars are being explored to better prepare bears for survival without imprinting human dependency. The study's findings are expected to inform future bear release policies.