ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke took in its second baby American black bear of the year Monday night after it was rescued from a tree in Grayson County.
The wildlife center received the bear cub at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Monday, April 26 from Fries after the critter spent five nights in a tree with no sign of its mother.
The cub was reportedly very hungry and severely dehydrated, so it was immediately given IV fluids.
As of Wednesday, April 28, the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke says the baby bear is now recuperating at the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro.
According to the wildlife center, American black bear litters include one to six cubs, who weigh between half a pound and a pound at birth.
Cubs typically don’t leave the den until they are about seven pounds or between five to eight weeks old, the wildlife center says. In fact, these baby bears usually stay with their mothers until they are about a year-and-a-half old.
If you see a bear cub, you are asked to leave it alone since the mother is usually nearby. If you notice the mother has not returned after a few hours, contact the Department of Wildlife Resources at 1-855-571-9003.
