Emaciated and orphaned Alberta bear cub released back into the wild

A cub taken in by the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (left) was released into the wild the same day a new bear (right) was addmitted for care. (AIWC handout)

Officials at an Alberta animal rescue organization say an emaciated black bear cub found wandering alone last year has been released back into the wild.

The cub was spotted near the town of Barrhead on Dec. 9, 2024.

Once taken to the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in Madden, staff weighed him and discovered he was just 15 kilograms (33 pounds) – about the third of the size of a healthy cub his age.

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On Tuesday, the organization announced that after 176 days in its care, the bear was rehabilitated.

Staff suspect the cub’s mother had been killed and afterward, he was unable to gain the weight needed to undergo hibernation.

Before his release, he gained more than 38 kilograms (84 pounds), eventually weighing in at 53 kilograms (117 pounds).

He was released back into the wild by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas on June 3.

The animal rescue organization says the day the orphaned black bear was released, coincidentally, another young cub was admitted.

“This young cub, estimated to be just four months old, was found alone and malnourished near Whitecourt,” the organization said in an email.

The bear will remain in the facility’s care until her release in the fall.