In a heart-wrenching rescue, a young black bear’s journey from despair to recovery has touched the hearts of many. After being found in deplorable condition, the bear — now thriving — is unrecognizable compared to his earlier suffering.
A Tragic Beginning
In December 2024, the Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) team in North Auburn, California, responded to a distressing case: a young black bear cub found struggling to survive in El Dorado County. This bear, orphaned and malnourished, was suffering from dehydration, anemia, and a severe skin infection. When rescuers found him, he was barely recognizable, with oversized paws and a bare, inflamed face.
“It was heartbreaking to see a bear cub in such terrible condition,” said Chelsea Engberg, GCWR’s marketing and outreach manager. The combination of malnutrition and being orphaned had led to a rapid decline in the cub’s health.
A Long Road to Recovery
Weighing only 20 pounds, the bear’s recovery would not be easy. But with the help of dedicated rescuers, a treatment plan was devised to help him heal. After weeks of care, the bear started showing signs of improvement. His face, once bare and swollen, began to grow new fur, and slowly, his health began to improve.
“It might not seem like much, but seeing fur fuzz grow on his face is a huge milestone,” GCWR posted on Facebook.
Finding His Wild Spirit
As the days passed, the cub’s playful spirit began to emerge. He found joy in toys, enrichment activities like a kiddie pool, and a firehose hammock in his enclosure. While the team kept a respectful distance, the cub’s progress was unmistakable. He began to show signs of his wild nature, remaining uninterested in human interaction — a crucial sign of a successful rehabilitation.
By February 2025, the cub’s transformation was nothing short of remarkable. His once-emaciated body had filled out, and his fur had regrown, making him look almost unrecognizable compared to when he first arrived.
“We are always amazed by the wild animals in our care, and this bear cub is one of the most amazing recoveries we have seen,” Engberg shared.
A New Chapter
In May 2025, GCWR posted a touching update. While the cub’s recovery was complete, experts decided that he would not be returned to the wild due to concerns about his future survival. Instead, he would be transferred to a protected sanctuary where he could live out his days in peace, away from the dangers of the wild.
The news marked the final chapter of his incredible journey from the brink of death to a life filled with care and safety.
“The fact that he’s regrown so much of his fur and is staying wild and uninterested in humans is something that continues to make everyone at GCWR proud every day,” said Engberg.
A Story of Resilience
This bear’s journey serves as a testament to the power of wildlife rehabilitation and the resilience of animals in the face of unimaginable adversity. With the help of the dedicated team at GCWR, the cub overcame a horrific start to life and will now spend his days in a sanctuary, where he can live in peace.
“It’s a true reflection of the value of collaborative care in wildlife rehabilitation,” said Dana Fasolette, GCWR’s Director of Animal Care.
