Today we have photos from friends who have seen cubs recently. As you know, ABR is currently awaiting a decision by TWRA to permit us to accept injured or orphaned cubs for rehabilitation as we have done successfully for almost 30 years. These photos were sent by supporters who hope that the wildlife agency will grant approval once again, now that our curators have worked so hard to upgrade the facility.
Two cubs who have been sent up a tree by their mom come down to explore.
Mother bears often use trees as “baby sitters” while they go off to forage. They will return for their cubs.
Though it can be mistaken for a cub, this is probably a yearling, recently dismissed by its mother.
Another yearling. Yearlings are often thin, as they grapple with finding food on their own.
Yet another photo of a yearling, eating leaves and learning to navigate the world without a mother.
A male (boar) looking to mate with females. They represent danger to cubs or yearlings.
Back at the facility, a resident hawk eats a cicada, one of the thousands that have emerged and provide good food for wildlife, including bears.