Overview

• The black bear cub, rescued in April, is the youngest ever cared for at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center and only the fourth this young to enter rehab in California in five years.
• Staff use bear masks, fur suits, and habitat simulation techniques to prevent the cub from imprinting on humans, ensuring it can adapt to life in the wild.
• The cub has grown from a fragile 3 lbs to over 12 lbs through around-the-clock formula feedings and behavioral enrichment sessions.
• Preparations are underway for a year-long care plan, with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife planning its eventual release and GPS tracking to monitor post-release adaptation.
• The rehabilitation is entirely funded by donations, as no state funding is available for such efforts, highlighting the resource-intensive nature of caring for orphaned wildlife.