A bear cub found alone wandering on Highway 17 has been captured after the mother was struck by a vehicle in West Nipissing.
OPP responded to the call assisted by the Springer Animal Hospital, MNR and Bear With Us, The bear is now headed to a rehabilitation centre.
"We assist orphan cubs until old enough to be returned to the wild. We work with people recreating in bear country and homeowners regarding perceived nuisance bears," says the Bear With Us website.
If you come across a bear cub wandering alone, it’s essential to proceed with caution.
Here are some steps to follow:
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Wait and watch: Give the cub at least 24 hours before intervening. Sometimes, the mother and cub may have temporarily separated. Waiting allows the cub a chance to reconnect with its mom. Often, the mother will return to retrieve her cub.
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Keep Your Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the cub. Do not attempt to approach or touch it. Note the location and report it to police so they can provide the appropriate response.
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Avoid Human Intervention: Well-intentioned, human intervention can sometimes harm the cub. Let wildlife experts handle the situation. If you suspect the cub is truly orphaned or injured, contact the appropriate authorities;
Remember, our priority is to keep bears wild and ensure their safety.
