Overview

• The male black bear cub was found abandoned and severely underweight in Los Padres National Forest on April 12, 2025, with no signs of his mother returning.
• After being transported to the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center on April 14, the cub arrived in fragile condition, requiring round-the-clock care.
• Staff wear bear masks and camouflage during feedings and enrichment sessions to prevent human imprinting, a critical step to ensure his survival in the wild.
• The cub is now described as stable, playful, and thriving after one month of care, with plans to continue rehabilitation until he is ready for release at one year old.
• This rare case highlights the challenges of young cub rehabilitation, with only four such rescues in California over the past five years, and the program's reliance on public donations for funding.