Bear Centers See Surge in Orphaned Cubs

Colorado’s Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center cared for a record 47 orphaned black bears this year, more than twice its typical annual intake, amid what state officials call the worst year of human-bear conflict on record. Colorado reported 10,820 bear sightings or conflicts by late September, while drought, late spring freezes and wildfires depleted natural food and contributed to cubs being abandoned or bears seeking food near people; some cubs were orphaned after their mothers were killed in conflicts or vehicle strikes. In Washington, PAWS cared for 17 bears—far above its usual four or five—and released eight back into the wild after specialized care. Community donations of more than 10,000 pounds of food helped PAWS meet the bears’ needs, which can reach 175 pounds per bear each day. Both centers’ experiences underscore how environmental pressures and human-bear encounters are increasing demands on wildlife rehabilitation centers.