Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) is now caring for the first American Black Bear cubs of the 2026 season.
Over the course of just more than a week, three orphaned Black Bear cubs from Placer and El Dorado Counties were brought to our Wildlife Intake & Care Center by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). GCWR is one of only three wildlife rehabilitation centers permitted by CDFW to rehabilitate Black Bears in California.
The first arrivals were siblings (ID#’s 26-3000 and 26-3001) who were monitored for several days after being found without their mother. When she did not return, the cubs were transported to GCWR in Auburn, CA, where they appear to be healthy, strong, and doing well.
Just over a week later, a third orphaned cub (ID# 26-3076) arrived after also being found without his mother. During his examination, an injury was found, leading to further examination, including X-rays, where it was discovered he had been shot in the hind leg with birdshot at close range. Thankfully, no major bones, joints, or other critical anatomy were damaged. After receiving initial treatment from Dr. Mira Sanchez at Companion Vet Clinic in Auburn, CA, he is recovering well and is already climbing, exploring, and playing.
We have no information about how, when, or why the cub was shot, but we are grateful his injuries were not more severe. If you have information regarding wildlife violations in the state of California, you can notify CDFW through their CalTip line: 1 888 334-CALTIP (888 334-2258), or you can send an anonymous tip by texting “CALTIP”, followed by a space and the message, to 847411 (tip411).
The three cubs (along with any additional cubs that may find themselves in need of our help this year) will spend the coming months in our custom Black Bear rehabilitation enclosure, fondly referred to as “Summit University”, where every aspect of their care is focused on preparing them for a successful return to the wild. Human interaction is kept to an absolute minimum to help ensure they remain wild, an essential part of their rehabilitation and future survival.
Caring for Black Bear cubs is one of the most specialized and long-term rehabilitation programs we provide. As they grow, their needs will continue to increase, from specialized diets and veterinary care to enrichment and habitat maintenance.
These cubs have a long journey ahead of them, and our community plays an important role in that journey. If you’d like to support their rehabilitation, a donation of any amount helps provide the specialized food, veterinary care, enrichment, and daily care they’ll need over the coming months as they grow toward their return to the wild.
We look forward to sharing updates as these cubs grow and progress through rehabilitation.
If you encounter a Black Bear cub alone, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (916-358-2917), which is responsible for assessing these situations and determining when rehabilitation is necessary.
