A three-year joint study by WSPA and Idaho Black Bear Rehabilitation (IBBR) gives solid proof that orphaned bear cubs raised in captivity can develop into wild animals capable of surviving on their own. This research debunks the myth that cubs raised in captivity necessarily become dependent on humans.

"Bears are a solitary species and do not imprint on humans the way many 'social' species do," says wildlife biologist John Beecham, who designed the study. "They are equipped genetically with all the behaviors they need to survive in the wild and do not need to be taught those behaviors by their mothers, so they are good candidates for release programs."

The study is ongoing and so far has tracked the survival of 19 released cubs. Using specially designed radio collars, researchers tracked the bears using both ground and aerial telemetry. Researchers considered a successful release as one where the cubs survived at least 30 days without starving to death or becoming a "nuisance bear". Though the collars were designed to fall off after three to four months, some stayed on past that point.

This research showed that the greatest threat the cubs faced were hunters. As Idaho permits both a spring and fall bear hunt, all bears whether rehabilitated or not, face this risk.

The study concludes that the key elements for a successful reintroduction into the wild appear to be:

• Opportunity to socialize with other bear cubs during early development in rehabilitation
• Adequate high quality habitat in release area
• Minimal contact with humans for 7 - 10 days after release

IBBR provides all three of those criteria for their cubs. During the rehabilitation process, orphaned cubs live together in an outdoor enclosure where their interaction with humans is limited to contact with one caregiver. Once they are old enough and have reached a healthy weight, the cubs are released by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game into remote wilderness areas. If they are released during the winter, they are placed into either natural or man-made dens so they can hibernate until spring.

"This study shows that given the proper rehabilitation and release methods, orphaned cubs are very capable of surviving in the wild," said Victor Watkins, WSPA's wildlife director. "We hope that this project will serve as a model and be duplicated in areas where bear populations are at risk."

This study was made possible with a generous grant from the Maverick Lloyd Foundation.

Links: http://www.bearrehab.org/about.html