Note from Barb @ Bear Matters BC

History was ‘officially’ made on Weds, May 16, 2007! A North American bear rehabilitator, Leona Green, has successfully raised 4 orphaned grizzly cubs (2 female), taking them from 15-20lbs in July ‘06 to their release weight of well in excess of 100lbs.  The bigger size for their age class will give the cub’s a fighting chance with preditory carnivores. The cub’s diet consisted of high protein from donated venison and salmon, grains, veggies and fruit ( including natural berries previously picked and frozen).  Leona Green has raised and released two female grizzlies in 1996 but they were not officially counted by the authorities at that time.

Grizzly bear rehabilitation is done in other parts of the world like Russia and Romania but North American authorities have been shy to embrace it for ‘liablity’ reasons ( I believe?). Thanks to some progressive and compassionate Conservation Officers in Northern BC Leona Green was able to help give these four cubs plus two black bears a second chance this year. She has now rehabbed over 100 bears successfully over 30years (not one of the bears have shown up and caused problems).  

In my opionin, grizzly bear rehab is good for conservation, good for individual bears and is ethically the right option.   Let us hope that there will be no hestitation by authorities or individuals to take orphaned or injured grizzly cubs to one of our 4 rehab centres in B.C.

Well Done, Leona!

Barb Murray

May 18  Your Vancouver Province
 
Grizzlies released
The Province; News Services
Published: Friday, May 18, 2007

Five orphaned bears rescued last spring have been released back into the bush after being cared for by the only private citizen in Canada permitted to rehabilitate grizzlies.

Conservation officers rescued the four orphaned grizzly cubs — two males and two females — near Tumbler Ridge last spring and brought them to Leona Green, 71.

The four grizzlies and a black bear, found near Fort St. John last year, were taken by helicopter to a location near Tumbler Ridge and released.

Green has been rehabilitating animals for about 30 years.
© The Vancouver Province 2007