Orphaned Bear Cubs Survive First Winter Following Historic California Release
Five orphaned black bear cubs rehabilitated and released into northern California last fall have successfully hibernated through their first winter in the wild and emerged this spring healthy and active, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.
The bears were part of an experimental effort by CDFW’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program to test the viability of fall releases for rehabilitated juvenile black bears, a practice that has proven successful in Nevada and Washington but had not previously been attempted in California. All five cubs were ear-tagged, microchipped, and fitted with GPS collars before release in November 2025. Collar data confirmed each bear established a den, hibernated through winter, and reemerged on the landscape this spring.
“This is a massive win,. These bears spent their first winter hibernating naturally in the wild as opposed to staying overwinter in a facility, which can be costly and difficult to do. It means less time in rehabilitation and less opportunity to get comfortable around humans.” – ” Dr. Heather Perry, CDFW’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program Coordinator.
The five bears originated from three separate incidents. Two female siblings were reported orphaned near Nevada City in May 2025 and rehabilitated at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue before being returned to Nevada County. A male cub abandoned in South Lake Tahoe in July 2025 was also rehabbed at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue and released in El Dorado County.
Three male siblings abandoned in Arnold, Calaveras County in July 2025 were taken to the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, where one arrived sick and was humanely euthanized. The surviving two were transferred to Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue and later released in Calaveras County.
CDFW’s Wildlife Health Lab and veterinary staff conducted health assessments on all animals prior to release.
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