In Manitoba, a bear rescue organization is caring for three 10-week old black bear cubs who have been distressed and traumatized since their mother was tragically shot and killed near their den north of Balmoral. The cubs, consisting of two females and one male, are struggling to cope with the loss of their mother, with the male cub particularly vocal in his distress and difficulty eating.
The incident, deemed illegal by Manitoba conservation officials, occurred between March 30 and March 31. An investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Killing a female black bear with cubs is against the law in the province, as outlined in the 2025 hunting guide.
According to Judy Stearns, president of Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, the mother bear’s location was disclosed on social media, likely leading to her unfortunate fate. Stearns expressed disappointment and anger over the situation, emphasizing the vulnerability of the mother bear and the potential dangers faced by the orphaned cubs in the wild without her protection.
Stearns highlighted the importance of understanding black bear behavior and urged people to maintain a safe distance from these animals to prevent habituation. The cubs will undergo rehabilitation at Black Bear Rescue Manitoba before being reintroduced to the wild in the upcoming fall season. Efforts to reach out to Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie for comment are in progress.