Not everyone who graduates arrives in a cap and gown. Some come covered in fur. Three Ontario black bears, Ozzy, Oscar and Oliver, have officially graduated from wildlife rehabilitation. The trio arrived at the Bear With Us Centre in Sprucedale as tiny cubs in March 2025. After months of care and recovery, they have now been released back into their natural habitat. On Thursday, staff said the bears were transported to their release location by a member of the National Wildlife Centre in Caledon. Their release marks the end of a journey that began when Ministry of Natural Resources staff stepped in to help the vulnerable cubs in the Dryden district. Since then, Ozzy, Oscar and Oliver have been recovering at the centre, growing stronger and preparing for life in the wild. Now, the young bears are embarking on their biggest adventure yet. The Bear With Us Centre has helped more than 1,000 injured and orphaned bears across Ontario and provides a permanent sanctuary for animals that cannot be released. Beyond rehabilitation, the organization also educates the public about living safely alongside black bears.
