On the night of December 9, a critically ill Black Bear cub was brought to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue after being found in the Coloma area of El Dorado County. The following day, December 10, the cub underwent a comprehensive health exam and received initial treatment under the care of Dr. Jamie Peyton and Dr. Eric Johnson. Dr. Mira Sanchez, owner of Companion Veterinary Clinic in Auburn, CA, graciously opened her facility for this purpose and participated in the exam and treatment.
This young male cub arrived in poor condition—severely dehydrated, anemic, suffering from serious ear infections in both ears, an obvious skin infection, and severely underweight. A thorough exam, including blood work and cultures, was conducted. The results, expected in about three days, will help us determine the precise cause of the skin infection—whether bacterial, fungal, or both—and guide the appropriate treatment plan.
At this time, the cub’s health remains very delicate, and his care and progress must be monitored closely on a day-by-day basis. While his condition is concerning due to the visible effects of the skin infection, it is important to take a whole-body approach, addressing and stabilizing all of his medical challenges.
We are grateful for the opportunity to help this cub but want to be transparent: a successful outcome is not guaranteed. The cub must respond positively to treatment, care must be able to be provided in a way that avoids imprinting on humans, and his overall comfort and quality of life will remain a top priority. We are working closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine the most humane treatment of the bear
