WILDLIFE – Emaciated bear cub found at Tobiano is now recuperating at refuge

An emaciated bear cub found in Tobiano is now recuperating at a wildlife refuge in Smithers.

The little bear was seen hanging around houses in the neighbourhood after it had obviously lost its mother, but the Conservation Office told them there was nothing that could be done for it because it was becoming habituated to humans.

The residents persisted, and the story was widely covered in local and national media. The CO had a change of heart and decided to allow it to be captured and transported by the Northern Lights Wildlife Society, which has accepted dozens of bears over the fall and winter.

Linda Koot, a volunteer with the society, drove up from Hope a few days ago and trapped the cub, after which it was transported to Smithers by a volunteer relay.

Today (Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024), the society shared an update on the cub, which is nicknamed Tobi. It said the cub weighed only 18 pounds when it arrived at the shelter, and should weigh at least 50.

“…Our team is trying their best to bring ‘Tobi back to health,” the Facebook post said.

“First and foremost we are trying to gradually introduce nutritious feed. In an emaciated animal that has to happen slowly to avoid re-feeding syndrome. We hope he/she will be stable enough to sedate for further diagnostics by Wednesday.

“We have noticed an injury on the right hindleg, but it appears to be minor. He/she is also covered in burrs, which affects his/her ability to stay warm due to the excessive matting of the fur. This can also cause sores under the matts of hair.

“We will keep you updated on Tobi’s progress. For now he/she is eating well and the digestive system has normalized already. He/she is resting a lot and seems to feel safe in her new environment, allowing her to relax and recuperate.”

Northern Lights depends entirely on donations to pay the costs of nursing animals back to health.