Ramona, California – A two-month-old black bear cub is now thriving at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center after being found alone and underweight.

The cub was discovered on April 12, 2025, by campers in Los Padres National Forest. Attempts by California Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists to reunite him with his mother were unsuccessful.

With no sign of the mother, the cub was taken to the Ramona Wildlife Center on April 14.

“He was extremely fragile when he arrived,” said Autumn Welch, Wildlife Operations Manager. “After going several days without nutrition, it was touch-and-go at first. But now, he’s active, eating well and gaining weight steadily.”

The center is using bear suits and enrichment sessions to mimic maternal behaviors, helping the cub stay wild and avoid imprinting on humans.

He receives four enrichment and feeding sessions daily. Overnight feedings were needed at first to stabilize his condition.

The goal is to return him to the wild. If another orphaned cub is found in California, CDFW may pair them to improve chances of rewilding.

According to CDFW, only four bear cubs this young have entered rehab care in California in the past five years.

“This is a very unusual case,” said Welch. “We don’t often see bears this young without their mother. It’s an honor to care for him, but it’s also a significant commitment.”

San Diego Humane Society receives no state funding for this work and relies entirely on donations.

The Ramona Wildlife Center is the only facility in San Diego County permitted to rehabilitate apex predators such as black bears, mountain lions, and bobcats.

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