In Manitoba, a bear rescue group’s owner reveals that three 10-week old black bear cubs are distressed and searching for their mother after she was shot and killed near their den. Judy Stearns, the President of Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, expressed concern for the young cubs, stating that their lives have been upended, with the male cub particularly vocal in his distress.
Authorities reported the illegal shooting of the mother bear between March 30 and March 31. Conservation officers are investigating the incident and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The tragic event could have been prevented, according to Stearns, who believes that disclosing the den’s location online led to the mother bear’s death. She received numerous warnings about people visiting the den, potentially disturbing the bears.
Stearns emphasized the vulnerability of the mother bear, who was peacefully nursing her cubs without posing a threat to anyone. She condemned the act, highlighting the risks the cubs now face without their mother’s protection.
Black bears are known for their intelligence and shyness towards humans, as emphasized by provincial guidelines. People are advised to maintain a safe distance from bears and avoid feeding them to prevent conflicts.
The orphaned cubs will undergo rehabilitation at Black Bear Rescue Manitoba before being released back into the wild in the fall. Efforts to reach out to Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie for comment are ongoing.
