Northern Ont. sanctuary cares for nearly 70 injured bears, both big and small, in 2024

Bear With Us, a wildlife rehabilitation centre for bears reported that in 2024 alone, they cared for 69 orphaned cubs, as well as sub-adult and adult bears suffering from a range of injuries. (Supplied)

One sanctuary up north took on nearly 70 bear cubs, both big and small, last year, all requiring serious veterinary care and rehabilitation.

Bear With Us, a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Sprucedale Ont., reported that in 2024 alone, they cared for 69 orphaned cubs, as well as sub-adult and adult bears suffering from a range of injuries.

The centre noted that almost half of those fuzzy friends have since been returned to the wild, all in good health. “These animals once compromised by human activity, could once again enjoy the life of free wild bears,” shared members of the rehab.

As of Wednesday, 50 bears are still stationed at the sanctuary, currently in hibernation. In addition, five more bears rescued during the winter months of December and February are being cared for daily.

The centre says that all 55 bears are set to return to the wild this summer to take on life in their natural habitat.

On March 12, the sanctuary received three tiny cub orphans due to a logging operation near Dryden, Ontario. These cubs will return to the wild next year, according to rehab members.

Bear with Us began its journey with their first ever bear in April 1992, a big old blind bear from a zoo in eastern Ontario. This bear named Mishoomish remained at the centre until his passing. Since then, volunteers have helped numerous bears of all ages recover and return to the wild.