Two bear cubs rescued from Grand Forks, now at the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter. Source: Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter.
Two young bear cubs from Grand Forks area are doing well in a Smithers area wildlife shelter, after they were taken from their den at the end of March.
According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, the cub’s den was likely disturbed during road work north of Grand Forks. Road workers spotted the cubs, who are only about two months old, waited for their mother to return. When the sow didn’t return, the well-intentioned road workers took the cubs back into the city and contacted conservation officers.
Conservation Officer Mark Walkosky says while they meant well, the cubs should’ve been left at the den.
Conservation officers tried to reunite the cubs with their mother, but after two days, it was determined the mother had left with one other cub. The two remaining cubs were then taken to the Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter in Smithers.
Angelika Langen, the co-founder of the wildlife shelter, says the cubs are in good shape.
Despite some concerns that cubs taken this young from their mother will negatively impact their future, Langen says from their experience, the cubs have just as good as a chance as those who stayed with their mother. She does add, these cubs will face different dangers when they are returned to the wild.
Walkosky says if anyone comes across an animal in distress, for their own safety, and that of the animal, it’s always best to phone the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 for help, instead of intervening themselves.
The cubs will be returned to the wild near the Grand Forks area next June. In the meantime, Langen says any donations to the wildlife shelter, financially or in kind, would be greatly appreciated. More info on the shelter can be found here.
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