A trio of bear cubs were taken into the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center last month, but one was suffering from several conditions that prompted veterinarians to put her down, the agency said Monday.
The female cub was suffering from a deformed limb and a bullet wound that was lodged in her front paw, which would have caused lifelong chronic pain, the SDHS said. Her siblings, two male cubs estimated to be around 6 to 7 months old, continue to be cared for by the center.
The orphaned black bear cubs were rescued in Central California’s Calaveras County by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. They had been seen wandering in a neighborhood for several days before arriving at the Wildlife Center on July 24. Their mother was never located, according to officials.
Upon their arrival, a veterinary team with the center performed a health evaluation under anesthesia, which included dental exams, radiographs and other diagnostics to assess their condition.
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego Humane Society
Two bear cubs at the Ramona Wildlife Center.
Veterinarians said that the female cub suffered from a malformed shoulder and elbow, likely caused at birth, as well as a bullet wound. The deformities would have caused her “chronic pain and lifelong mobility issues,” they added.
After a discussion with the CDFW, the Humane Society’s veterinary team decided to “humanely euthanize” her to prevent “prolonged suffering,” society officials said.
“This is never a decision we take lightly,” Dr. Alexis Wohl said, Wildlife Veterinary Manager at San Diego Humane Society. “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 were reported healthy and were moved to a large outdoor enclosure designed to emulate their natural habitat. The Humane Society’s Project Wildlife team will continue to care for them as they grow stronger and prepare for potential release back into the wild, officials said.
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego Humane Society
Two bear cubs at the Ramona Wildlife Center.
“This is a critical moment for these bears,” Autumn Welch said, Wildlife Operations Manager at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. “We are doing everything we can to give them the best possible shot at returning to their wild home.”
The Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center is the only current facility in the state that accepts black bear cubs for rehabilitation. The Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue and Gold Country Wildlife Rescue were at full capacity and could not receive the cubs.