Two orphaned cubs recovering in Ramona but third injured bear euthanized

by Caleb Lunetta

Two black bear cubs are being cared for in Ramona after they were found without a mother in northern California and taken in by the San Diego Humane Society, officials said.

The cubs, believed to be 6 or 7 months old, arrived at the Ramona Wildlife Center, which is owned and operated by the San Diego Humane Society, after they and another sibling were seen wandering in a Calaveras County neighborhood for several days, organization spokesperson Nina Thompson said.

The cubs’ mother was never found.

The bears were brought to the Wildlife Center, which is one of three centers licensed to rehabilitate wild black bears in the state, to receive medical treatment and diagnosis, Thompson said. The other centers in Sonoma and Auburn counties are at capacity, the spokesperson added.

The third cub — a female — was found to have a malformed shoulder and elbow, likely congenital, as well as a bullet embedded in her front paw, Thompson said. The deformities would have caused her chronic pain, as well as lifelong mobility issues, and the decision was made to euthanize that cub.

A black bear cub is medically examined by staff at the San Diego Humane Society Ramona Wildlife Center. (The San Diego Humane Society) — A black bear cub is medically examined by staff at the San Diego Humane Society Ramona Wildlife Center. (San Diego Humane Society)

“This is never a decision we take lightly,” said Alexis Wohl, wildlife veterinary manager at the organization. “But in cases where an animal’s quality of life would be severely compromised, humane euthanasia is sometimes the most compassionate option.”

The two male cubs, after some work by the wildlife organization’s staff, were deemed healthy enough to be put out in an outdoor enclosure to mimic their natural habitat. Staff said the purpose of putting them in such an environment is so they can “grow strong and prepare for a potential release back into the wild.”

“This is a critical moment for these bears,” said Autumn Welch, wildlife operations manager at the Ramona Wildlife Center. “We are doing everything we can to give them the best possible shot at returning to their wild home.”

The organization said it would be working closely with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to determine if and when the cubs can be released back into the wild.