Today we congratulate Reggie Taylor (ID#21-4395), and Vinny (ID#21-4588) as they have finished their rehabilitation and are being released back into the wild. Leo (ID#21-4302) was recently treated for an abscess and needs additional time to heal. We are hopeful his release will be within the next few weeks.
After 9 months, these black bear cubs have healed from their wildfire burns and have now grown into healthy yearlings. When they came into our care they weighed 16-25lbs, and had severe burns to their paws. Now they have fully healed and are leaving us weighing a healthy 150-190.
When it comes to black bears, the release process is handled by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW). For the animals’ protection (as we do with all animals) the release locations are kept private, but they will be released to their home territories. They have been fitted with GPS tracking collars to help provide CDFW important information like where the bears go, how far they travel, and their rate of survival.
Releases like these make it all worthwhile. There’s no bigger thank you to be given to our donors, supporters, volunteers, and staff than returning wildlife to the WILD. We couldn’t do this without you.
Photo Credit: Chelsea Engberg
