The DGIF biologists reported a successful fostering this afternoon! When the two biologists and one Department of Forestry official arrived at the den site, each of the three people zipped a cub into his or her jacket to keep them warm and snug on the hike to the den. After a couple of minutes, the cubs started crying – not an ideal way to sneak up on a denning sow. The three cubs were quickly placed back together in the jacket of one official, and the team of people continued the hike to the den.

All was quiet at the den site. The biologist with the cubs quietly climbed over the log under with the sow was denning. Just as he was on top of the log, one of the cubs in his jacket started crying – and the sow poked her head out of the den! The biologist quickly placed the cubs near the den opening and quietly backed away. Each time he turned around to check on the cubs, one fewer was sitting where he left them. By the time the biologist retreated a few feet from the den, all cubs had been picked up and taken into the den. All was quiet.

Given the situation, the biologists were unable to see how many cubs were present with the sow. All they know is that a cub was heard yesterday. The Wildlife Center is happy that a wild foster bear was located so quickly, so that these cubs could have the best chance of survival.

This photo of the foster mom in her den was taken by a quail hunter on Saturday. The hunter reported the den to the quail biologist in the region, and the quail biologist contacted Black Bear Project Leader Jaime Sajecki.



