New chapter begins for black bear cub

The black bear cub that has been under the care of Gold Country Wildlife Rescue (GCWR) will soon be starting a new chapter and transferring to his FURever home. On Dec. 9, 2024, a critically ill black bear cub, now known as Cub 24-3926, arrived at GCWR in dire condition. At just 20 pounds and nearly hairless, he was suffering from multiple serious health issues, including bacterial and fungal skin infections (yeast and ringworm) and deep ear infections in both ears. These conditions, likely worsened by the effects of malnutrition and the stress of being orphaned, left him severely compromised. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of GCWR's expert team and consulting veterinarians, Cub 24-3926 received intensive, whole-body treatment. Over the following months, his care included: Systemic, topical and environmental antifungal protocols Specialized treatments for his ear infections Nutritional support to promote healthy growth and recovery Supplements to support immune function, reduce inflammation and restore skin and coat health Now nearly 80 pounds, fully furred and thriving, this resilient cub has made an inspiring recovery. However, after thorough monitoring and evaluation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has determined that while his progress has been remarkable, there remain concerns about his long-term survivability in the wild. In particular, it's unclear whether he can reliably grow and maintain the thick undercoat essential for surviving harsh winter conditions — a critical trait for wild bears. As a result, CDFW has decided to place Cub 24-3926 in permanent human care. GCWR shared he will transfer to Sequoia Park Zoo in Eureka, a facility known for its commitment to providing lifelong homes for orphaned, injured or habituated black bears. There, he will receive ongoing care, daily enrichment and the companionship of two other resident black bears, Tule and Ishŭng, who are both 3 years old. The Sequoia Park Zoo's large bear habitat features a stream bed including a waterfall that flows into a large pond for swimming and foraging, log structures for resting and playing, and towering redwood trees to climb. While the exact timing of his transfer is being finalized, the GCWR team will continue to provide loving care until he's ready to move to his new home. With the decision for him to remain in human care, GCWR announced he'll finally receive a name. The Sequoia Park Zoo's Black Bear habitat was generously funded by the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, whose Council members choose the name for each new bear. GCWR will share the name once it has been chosen. GCWR will continue to share updates on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube until his transfer and beyond — and followers are encouraged to follow Sequoia Park Zoo on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected with the next chapter in his incredible journey.