Baby Bear is at PAWS

PAWS Wildlife Center is currently hosting this American Black Bear Cub.

Photo courtesy PAWS

By Kevin Mack, Naturalist, PAWS Wildlife Center

For more than two-and-a-half decades PAWS Wildlife Center has been rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned American Black Bear cubs. An orphaned female cub received on May 19 is the 78th bear to come through the doors. 

The cub, known as patient number 12-0790, was found along with a male sibling on the side of a highway near Corvallis, Oregon. Both cubs were starving and weak when they were rescued by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Unfortunately, the male cub did not survive. How the cubs became separated from their mother is unknown.

Weighing in at a little less than four pounds, Black Bear 12-0790 is among the smallest that PAWS has received. At this size she is tiny enough to be scruffed like a puppy, but she is not entirely defenseless. As seen in the photo, the young bear already has an impressive set of claws. Although young cubs will try to defend themselves by swatting and scratching when cornered, the main purpose of these claws is to enable the bear to make a quick escape up the trunk of a tree.

Patient #12-0790
Photo courtesy PAWS

As of this writing, Black Bear 12-0790 has been in care for nearly three weeks. She’s gaining weight and getting stronger every day. If all goes well, she will return to the wild in Oregon sometime next spring.

Each year PAWS cares for more than 5,000 animals from 154 different species. From kittens to cougars, from canines to black bears, PAWS has done this work for 44 years. PAWS contracts with both Shoreline and Lake Forest Park to provide shelter services for stray and relinquished household pets. If you are having a wildlife problem, and need help to determine the best course of action, contact PAWS Wildlife Center at 425-412-4040, and experienced staff members help you find an effective and humane approach to your problem.