Last week, two orphaned bear cubs were successfully released back into their natural habitat in western Colorado after spending several months at the Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
With the guidance of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and expert care, the cubs are now ready to make their way in the wild.
Rehabilitated and Ready for Release
Following their mother’s tragic death in a car accident, the bear cubs were brought to the Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.
There, they spent the summer and fall months bulking up and socializing with other cubs.
The center’s team worked hard to get the cubs up to around 80 pounds, ensuring they had enough fat reserves to survive the winter months.
Animal experts closely monitored their progress and determined that they were ready to den for the season.
The goal was to prepare them for a successful transition back into the wild where they can fend for themselves and eventually reproduce.
Journey Back to the Wild
Last week, Colorado Parks and Wildlife transported the cubs back to their original habitat near Paonia.
Equipped with GPS collars, CPW will track their movements as they settle into their new surroundings.
The goal is for the cubs to find a suitable den within six days of their release.
By returning the cubs to their native habitat, CPW aims to integrate them into the bear population and reduce the risk of conflict with humans.
The organization hopes that by releasing the cubs back to the wild, they will establish a healthy, reproducing bear population that can thrive independently.
Goals for the Future
The primary goal for these rehabilitated cubs is to become reproducing members of the bear population.
This reintroduction is part of CPW’s larger effort to conserve wildlife and maintain a healthy ecosystem in western Colorado.
Experts hope the cubs will avoid human-wildlife conflicts as they mature.
By returning these cubs to the wild, CPW is working to support the long-term health and sustainability of the bear population in the region.
The organization continues to monitor their progress closely, ensuring they have the best possible chance of survival in their natural habitat.
