In December 2024, rescuers at Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in California were shaken by the condition of a young black bear cub found in El Dorado County. Severely dehydrated, anemic, and nearly hairless from a skin infection, the orphaned cub weighed just 20 pounds and was barely clinging to life.
“It was heartbreaking,” said GCWR’s Chelsea Engberg. The team immediately created a careful treatment plan, unsure if he’d make it. But slowly, the little bear began to heal. Fur returned to his face, and his wild instincts—playing with toys and exploring—started to shine through.
By February, his transformation amazed everyone. “He didn’t even look like a bear when he arrived,” Engberg recalled. “Now, he’s thriving and still avoids human interaction, which is a great sign
While we may have lost an hour of sleep, Black Bear Cub 24-3926 is still clocking in plenty of rest (and growth)! This little resilient cub is showing off his thickening fur and those impressive paws— he continues to impress us daily.
If you peek to the right of the photo, you’ll spot a metal bear crate in his enclosure. We’re encouraging him to check it out so he’ll be comfortable when it’s time to move outside to Summit University for the next stage of his care.
Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to support the recovery of this amazing little cub! 🐻💪
