From Orphaned Cubs to Wild and Free: Our 2024 Bear Release Journey
The Arrival of Nine Bear Cubs
The week of June 16 to 20 brought one of the most anticipated and emotional times of the year at Critter Care. It was finally time to release our over-wintered 2024 black bear cubs. Nine cubs had arrived at the centre between July and October of last year, tiny and vulnerable, and we had the privilege of watching them grow into strong young bears ready for the wild.
A Season of Endless Eating
In nature, late summer and fall are critical months for bears. This is the season of hyperphagia, when they spend nearly every waking moment eating to prepare for the long winter ahead.
For our cubs, that meant endless buckets of fruit and vegetables, which disappeared quickly without the slightest hesitation. Even in these moments, we worked quietly in the background, keeping human contact to a minimum so the cubs could remain wild at heart.
Quiet Days of Winter Rest
When winter settled in, the bears began to slow down. Just as nature would have it, we gradually reduced their food and activity around them until they slipped into torpor, a gentle state of semi-hibernation. The centre grew quiet. Our staff scaled back cleaning and caretaking to create a calm space where the cubs could rest deeply through the cold months.
Early Signs of Spring
Here in Langley, spring comes earlier than in the mountains, where black bears typically live. Our bears stir from torpor a little sooner too. They emerge thinner and with worn coats, yet they are still breathtaking in their strength and presence.
We begin to reintroduce food carefully, starting with leafy greens and grass, then moving to the berries they have longed for during the winter. Around the centre, spring chores provide fresh-cut grass and dandelions, perfect for grazing and foraging. These simple offerings awaken their instincts and prepare them for the wild.
Preparing for the Big Day
As the bears regain their energy, our focus quietly shifts to planning their release. This is always a bittersweet season. There is joy in knowing the cubs are ready, but also a gentle ache in preparing to say goodbye.
Release Day Before Dawn
Release days begin before dawn. The stillness of the early morning sets the stage for one of the most meaningful experiences we share with our interns, staff, veterinarians, and biologists.
Together we sedate the bears (Photo above) and perform final health checks, making sure they are strong enough for the journey ahead. It is hard work, both physically and emotionally, but everyone knows it is sacred work too.
Wild, Free, and Home Again
The final stage of the process is the actual release itself. Bear releases normally start at 4-5 am and require a lot of manpower and planning, which you can imagine is very mentally and physically exhausting for all involved.
What makes all this worth it is the fulfilling ending: the bears are returned to their rightful home. We do miss their presence when they are gone, but we are comforted by the fact that they are now happy, wild, and free.
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