Black bear cub gaining strength in care of Auburn wildlife rescue

A black bear cub that entered the care of Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in December appears to be recovering in recent weeks. According to Chelsea Engberg, the marketing and outreach manager for Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, Black Bear Cub 24-3926, the name given to the cub when it was dropped off at the Auburn facility on Dec. 9, was facing significant challenges. Now he's making strides in his recovery, thanks to the dedicated team and supporters. "When Cub 24-3926 first arrived, he weighed just 20 pounds and was in a fragile state," Engberg said. "Through a carefully managed feeding schedule, he has reached 35 pounds, steadily gaining strength." Engberg said cultures taken during his first exam revealed multiple skin infections, which included bacterial and fungal – yeast and ringworm – and bilateral deep ear infections. Those conditions, Engberg stated, likely exacerbated by the stress of being orphaned and malnutrition, created a downward spiral in his health before the rescue. But thanks to Dr. Jamie Peyton and Dr. Eric Johnson, Engberg said they have addressed those infections while focusing on a comprehensive whole-body care. This includes treatments for his skin such as using systemic topical and environmental antifungal protocol, nutritional support to promote proper growth and healing, and supplements used to reduce inflammation, support his immune system and restore his skin and coat. The facility is cautiously optimistic in Cub 24-3926's recovery. "We are committed to giving this cub every opportunity to recover and thrive," said Dana Fasolette, director of animal care. "His journey highlights the value of collective care in wildlife rehabilitation." Fasolette said the facility wants to remain transparent, and it's still too soon to tell what the outcome will be. Engberg concluded it is the hope that "this cub will be able to return to the wild; it is far too soon in his healing journey to know what the outcome will be. The cub must respond positively to treatment, not habituate to humans and, of course, his overall comfort and quality of life will remain a top priority." Gold County Wildlife Rescue is working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which will determine the most humane outcome for the cub. Gold Country Wildlife Rescue plans to give further updates through its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and its website – www.goldcountryrescue.org. Gold Country Wildlife Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife in Northern California. The rescue said it has provided care to roughly 4,000 wild animals each year.