{"id":27612,"date":"2025-06-30T16:56:10","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T16:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/27612\/"},"modified":"2025-06-30T16:56:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-30T16:56:10","slug":"bear-cubs-hitch-a-ride-on-mama-bears-back-in-quabbin-reservoir","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/27612\/","title":{"rendered":"Bear cubs hitch a ride on mama bear’s back in Quabbin Reservoir"},"content":{"rendered":"

A pair of black bear cubs hitched a ride on their mother\u2019s back last week as she swam across the Quabbin Reservoir, experts at Massachusetts Division of Wildlife and Fisheries confirmed Monday.<\/p>\n

The heartwarming moment was captured by nearby fishermen, who shared several videos of the bears to social media on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy buddy took me out on the Quabbin for some fishing, and all of a sudden we see a Momma Bear swimming,\u201d Izzy Drost said in a post to Facebook<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Balanced on the bear\u2019s back were two \u201ctiny baby cubs,\u201d Drost wrote.<\/p>\n

Video shows the mother bear wading steadily through the reservoir toward an island. She and the cubs can be seen bobbing above the water, their heads rising and dipping with the current.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat an amazing sight to see,\u201d Drost said.<\/p>\n

Black bears can often be seen swimming during the hot summer months in natural bodies of water and, occasionally, in backyard swimming pools, according to a statement from Mass Wildlife. <\/p>\n

\u201cBears can also swim to travel or avoid interactions with people or other perceived threats,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n

Wildlife officials urge people to maintain a safe distance from bears, especially mothers with cubs who can be particularly defensive.<\/p>\n

\u201cBears should always be appreciated from a distance for the safety of both bears and people,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you encounter a bear while hiking or camping, talk in a calm voice and slowly back away,\u201d the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife advises on its website<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\u201cDo not approach bears or intrude between a female bear and her cubs. Do not run. Fight back if a black bear makes contact with you,\u201d the agency says.<\/p>\n

Black bears have been expanding their range and population since the 1970s, leading to more frequent encounters with people, according to wildlife experts.<\/p>\n

To reduce conflicts, officials recommend removing any food sources from around your home or campsite.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe bear population in Massachusetts is estimated to be over 4,500 and is growing and expanding eastward. Black bears live and breed in Worcester County, northern Middlesex County, and west to the Berkshires.Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife<\/p>\n

Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at sarah.mesdjian@globe.com<\/a>. Follow her on X @sarahs_journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n