RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Twelve orphaned black bear cubs have been rehabilitated and returned to the wild, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said Thursday.
According to the NCWRC, eight of the bear cubs are from the mountains and four are from the coast. They were released in the region where they were found on state-managed lands that are a reasonable distance from human development.
Although they are first received by the commission in late January, most orphaned bear cubs arrive in April through June after female bears emerge from their dens with their cubs according to the NCWRC. They are rehabilitated at either the North Carolina Zoo or the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.
The commission said the bear cubs are released when they are about seven to eight months old in the early fall due to natural foods being more available. They are released at heavier-than-average weights to give them fat to burn while they get used to their new environment…