It is always a cause for thanksgiving when one of our orphaned cubs can be released back into the wild, and on Thanksgiving Day we were happy that our Louisiana girl, nicknamed “Big Momma” because of the maternal care she gave to little RA, was ready to return to LA.
Big Momma had an unusual story in that she was the first bear ever to return to ABR after being released earlier. She was first admitted to ABR in March 2009 with another cub (not her sibling). The two gained weight and were released in October 2009, weighing 100+ pounds each. However, she did not fare well during the winter, and was recaptured in May 2010, in a dehydrated, undernourished condition. She was re-admitted to ABR for antibiotics, specialized supplements, and nourishing foods. She gained back the weight she had lost and grew healthy once again during her second stay at ABR.
Meanwhile, a very tiny 2010 cub from VA, called RA in honor of two of our staunchest supporters in that state, was admitted to ABR. That was when Big Momma earned her name. Though she was only a year older than RA, she took on the role of mother, as she taught him to climb trees and stay there to avoid danger, to forage for food, to break tree limbs in order to gnaw the bark and find bugs, and even how to make a den. The two bears formed a strong bond as they played, chased, and lived together for several months. You can see pictures of Big Momma and RA here.
By Thanksgiving, it was time for Big Momma to return to LA and a life in the wild. By this time, she weighed in at a whopping 150 pounds, and was as healthy as a bear could be. The LA wildlife officers came and worked her up for her long trip home.
Preparing Big Momma for her return to LA
All ready, with collar and eartag
Little RA was not at all thankful that his Big Momma left, but fortunately he remembered her training and has made a den for himself in which to spend the winter. He will be ready for release back in VA come spring.