5 bear cubs released back into the wild in Colorado after rehabilitation

Two sets of rehabilitated bear cubs, five in all, were released at two different locations outside Pagosa Springs, Colo., on Wednesday, wildlife officials said.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) said the bears were orphaned this summer in mid-July near Durango, Colorado.

John Livingston, Southwest Regional Public Information Officer for CPW, told ABC News that the mother of a set of three cubs was found breaking into a home in the Durango area, and because of their policy, they had to euthanize mother bear

Since the pups did not enter the home, the officers captured them, assessed their health and thought it would be in their best interest and best chance for survival if they went to the rehab facility, Livingston said.

The other set of two cubs were found in separate incidents.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) released two sets of rehabilitated bear cubs – five in total – at two different locations outside of Pagosa Springs, Colorado on November 20, 2024.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Durango/Facebook

The cubs were brought to the Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, where officials focused on raising and socializing the cubs with other bears.

According to CPW, extreme care is taken at Frisco Creek to keep bears in the wild.

Bears never see a person feeding them, and talking is not allowed near the bear pens, CPW says. In addition, the chicks follow a “feed diet” that prioritizes their growth and health – they also eat berries and fish from a hatchery.

According to CPW’s trackers, in previous releases, cubs often roost together in the winter and separate on their separate ways in the spring. And they often choose locations where the cubs have a good chance of not returning as conflict bears or being killed, CPW explained.

In a video captured by CPWbears usually sprint back into the wild, showing their natural fear of humans.

Livingston added that it’s important for the cubs to maintain their natural fear of humans and be given a safe environment to then return to the wild.

“Our officers care deeply about our wildlife here in Colorado and are trying to give those animals a second chance,” Livingston said. “It’s a great opportunity to, you know, help these animals.”