On June 22, Reese Lukei with the Center for Conservation Biology rescued a juvenile Bald Eagle that had just fledged from its nest in the Little Neck area of Virginia Beach. The bird had never left its nest before, but it had many broken tail feathers. When it leaped from its nest, it did not fly, and instead, just floated to the ground.
Current Patients
Bald Eaglet 23-2031
Latest Update: September 14, 2023
During the past month, Bald Eagle #23-2031 has continued its rehabilitation in the Center's A3 enclosure. By early August, the bird's injuries had all healed, though its tail feathers were still tattered and in poor condition. On August 15, rehab staff began exercising the bird to help it build up flight strength and stamina.
Bald Eagle #23-0749
On April 23, two Bald Eagles were seen fighting in King William County, Virginia. One bird flew off and was unable to be caught, but the second large eagle was found down on the ground with several wounds on her face and feet. The bird was taken to Tidewater Wildlife Rescue for stabilization, and transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for treatment the following day.
Latest Update: September 14, 2023
During the past two months, Bald Eagle #23-0749 has continued her rehabilitation in the A1 enclosure. After several weeks of laser and physical therapy, the rehab team reported that the range of motion in the eagle's right wing had improved. The bird's flight was also showing signs of improvement during daily exercise sessions.
On April 23, two Bald Eagles were seen fighting in King William County, Virginia. One bird flew off and was unable to be caught, but the second large eagle was found down on the ground with several wounds on her face and feet. The bird was taken to Tidewater Wildlife Rescue for stabilization, and transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for treatment the following day.
Latest Update: July 14, 2023
During the past three weeks, Bald Eagle #23-0749 has continued to recuperate in the Center’s A1 flight pen. During daily exercise, rehabilitation staff report that the bird is able to complete between 6-10 passes of the enclosure. Her physical stamina has improved during recent weeks, but a noticeable right wing droop has been observed following exercise sessions. Repeat radiographs performed on June 26 showed thickening of the soft tissue surrounding the bird’s right patagium – a condition previously noted upon the eagle’s admission, and likely the result of an older injury in the wild.
On April 23, two Bald Eagles were seen fighting in King William County, Virginia. One bird flew off and was unable to be caught, but the second large eagle was found down on the ground with several wounds on her face and feet. The bird was taken to Tidewater Wildlife Rescue for stabilization, and transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for treatment the following day.
Latest Update: June 22, 2023
Bald Eagle #23-0749 has been slowly improving during the past month. On June 5, the eagle was transferred to the Center’s A1 flight pen. Within this large enclosure, she receives daily exercise with the rehabilitation staff and is currently able to complete 5-10 passes before showing signs of exhaustion.
Bald Eagle #22-3464
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: September 7, 2023
Bald Eagle #22-3464 has remained in the A2 flight pen during the past four weeks, slowly regaining her physical strength during regular flight conditioning and exercise. On August 29, rehabilitation staff reported that the eagle’s stamina during flight had definitively improved and that the bird was able to complete between 8-11 passes of the enclosure while maintaining better altitude. A wing droop was occasionally noted near the end of the eagle's exercise regimen, but Rehabilitation Team Lead McKenzie suspects this to be a result of physical exhaustion rather than injury.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: August 11, 2023
During the past month, Bald Eagle #22-3464 has continued to recover in the A2 enclosure. The rehab team has been maintaining the bird’s physical therapy regimen every other day, and after a physical therapy session last week, the eagle flew nearly all the way across the enclosure. As a result of this improvement, on August 8 the veterinary team approved an exercise regimen for the eagle in addition to its ongoing physical therapy sessions.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: July 14, 2023
For the past month two months, Bald Eagle #22-3464 has continued to recover in the Center’s A3 flight pen, eating well and gaining weight. The veterinary and rehab team have been regularly checking the eagle’s left wing flight feathers and monitoring the bandaging on the bird’s carpal bumpers daily to make sure they are clean, dry, and intact. On June 21, the veterinary team prescribed a daily dose anti-inflammatory and began physical therapy regimen every other day with the bird, focusing on range of motion of the eagle’s left wing to help the bird regain flight capability.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: May 22, 2023
During the past couple of months, Bald Eagle #22-3464 has continued to slowly heal in the Center’s A3 flight enclosure. The bird’s left elbow wound, noted at her admission in October, has proven quite challenging to treat, but slowly and steadily, the veterinary team has seen improvement during regular treatments and checks. By May 10, the elbow wound finally appeared that it has healed; a thick, secure scab was present, and the veterinary team finally was able to stop bandaging the bird’s wing.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: March 30, 2023
During the past three weeks, Bald Eagle #22-3464’s condition has remained stable, and the veterinary team determined that the eagle – thought to be female – was ready to transition from Metals to a larger outdoor enclosure. On March 24, she was moved to the partitioned raptor tower area of flight pen A3, adjacent to Bald Eagle #23-0147. In this outdoor space, veterinary staff will continue to perform bandage changes and check the wound on the eagle’s left elbow each day.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: March 2, 2023
Bald Eagle #22-3464 has spent the past month acclimating in Metals, one of the Center’s outdoor holding areas. While the wound on the eagle’s left wing has shown mild improvement, continued treatment is still required. On February 17, Dr. Marit cleaned and surgically debrided the area until healthy, bleeding edges were exposed, and medical honey and bandages were applied to promote healing.
On October 27, an adult Bald Eagle was found injured on the side of the road in Chesapeake, Virginia. The eagle was likely injured due to a vehicle collision. Chesapeake Animal Services captured the bird and brought it to permitted wildlife rehabilitator Lisa Barlow for initial treatment before transporting it to the Wildlife Center for further care.
Latest Update: January 24, 2023
During the past two months, Bald Eagle #22-3464 has remained in Metals while receiving medical and rehabilitative care. On November 22, veterinary intern Dr. Olivia performed an additional surgery to further debride the wound on the eagle’s left wing. After removing dead and necrotic tissue from the injury site, Dr. Olivia was pleased to see healthy, bleeding tissue exposed. The area was flushed with a diluted iodine solution, and antibiotics were applied directly onto the exposed tissue before the veterinary team sutured the wound.
Bald Eagle #23-0710 [K62]
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: September 5, 2023
On September 5, Wildlife Center President Ed Clark released Bald Eagle #23-0710 [K62] back into the wild at the Berkeley Plantation in Charles City, Virginia. A crowd of about 80 people attended the release, including Marina Pierce, the wildlife photographer who originally found the downed bird. Linda, one of the Center's supporters, reports that the eagle "came out of the crate feisty and ready to be released!! She flew fast [toward the James River] then banked to the left and disappeared behind the trees."
Getting ready for transport to the release site:
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: August 24, 2023
Bald Eagle #23-0710 is ready for release! Barring any abnormalities revealed during pre-release bloodwork scheduled for August 28, Wildlife Center President Ed Clark will release the eagle at Taps Field, Berkeley Plantation on Tuesday, September 5 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern.
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: August 11, 2023
Bald Eaglets #23-0621 [Seven Bends State Park], #23-0710 [K62], and #23-1713 [Dulles Greenway] have all been steadily regaining their physical strength and stamina during the past two weeks.
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: July 28, 2023
Bald Eaglets #23-0612 [Seven Bends State Park], #23-0710 [K62], and #23-1713 [Dulles Greenway] have all been doing well in the Center’s A3 flight enclosure.
While the young eaglets have been flying and building their flight muscles in this large space for several weeks, during the past few days, the rehabilitation staff started a formal exercise program for the young birds. Each day, the staff encourage the birds to fly from one end of the flight pen to the other, and they carefully monitor the bird’s stamina, lift, and maneuverability.
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: July 10, 2023
Bald Eagle #23-0710 [K62] has been doing well in the Center’s A3 flight pen during the past three weeks. While the bird has not yet begun a flight conditioning regimen, rehabilitation staff report that she is steadily regaining a proper body condition score, displaying appropriate behaviors, and eating well. On July 3, she weighed in at 3.87 kg.
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: May 22, 2023
On May 10, Bald Eagle #23-0710 was moved to the Center's A3 flight pen, a large flight enclosure designed for eagles and other large birds of prey. The rehabilitation staff report that the bird is eating well and putting on weight; as of May 22, the eagle weighed in at 3.78 kg (a solid increase from her admission weight of 2.94 kg). The bird is flying well in the large flight space and has multiple other eagle roommates, including a hatch-year bird who is currently enclosed in the lofted tower of A3.
On April 19, a young Bald Eagle was found grounded on the beach in Cape Charles, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The eagle had recently been eating a rotting beached whale and was quiet and unable to fly when she was found. Wildlife rehabilitator Jodie Sokel was able to capture the bird and provided supportive care until the eagle was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia the following day.
Latest Update: May 5, 2023
During the past week, Bald Eagle #23-0710 has been showing some signs of recovery. Additional testing for lead toxicosis on April 26 showed that oral chelation therapy was successful in removing the remaining lead from the bird’s system, and the rehabilitation staff report that the bird is regularly consuming 100% of the fish and rat offered each day. While the eagle’s body condition score remains low, the bird weighed in at 3.6 kg on May 1, compared to 2.94 kg on admission.
Bald Eaglet #23-0621
On April 1, a Bald Eagle nest at Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County blew out of its tree. Eagle biologists monitored the situation and found that during the next week, the parent eagles continued to feed their offspring, but by April 8, the biologists suspected that the young eaglet was not using its wings properly. State eagle biologist Jeff Cooper decided to bring the young bird to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for further assessment.
Latest Update: September 1, 2023
On September 1, Wildlife Center President Ed Clark released Bald Eagle #23-0621 back to the wild at Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County. A crowd of about 100 people were in attendance. The park was a beautiful release setting, right at the foot of Massanutten Mountain. Ed reported that when the eagle was tossed into the air, the young eaglet caught a thermal that was blowing through, and started circling over the crowd below. The eagle soared thousands of feet high, for about 20 minutes, before it flew out of sight.
On April 1, a Bald Eagle nest at Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County blew out of its tree. Eagle biologists monitored the situation and found that during the next week, the parent eagles continued to feed their offspring, but by April 8, the biologists suspected that the young eaglet was not using its wings properly. State eagle biologist Jeff Cooper decided to bring the young bird to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for further assessment.
Latest Update: August 24, 2023
Bald Eagle #23-0621 is ready for release! Barring any abnormalities revealed during pre-release bloodwork scheduled for August 28, Bald Eagle #23-0621 will be released back to the wild on Friday, September 1 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern at Seven Bends State Park [2111 S Hollingsworth Rd, Woodstock, VA].
On April 1, a Bald Eagle nest at Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County blew out of its tree. Eagle biologists monitored the situation and found that during the next week, the parent eagles continued to feed their offspring, but by April 8, the biologists suspected that the young eaglet was not using its wings properly. State eagle biologist Jeff Cooper decided to bring the young bird to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for further assessment.
Latest Update: August 11, 2023
Bald Eaglets #23-0621 [Seven Bends State Park], #23-0710 [K62], and #23-1713 [Dulles Greenway] have all been steadily regaining their physical strength and stamina during the past two weeks.
On April 1, a Bald Eagle nest at Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County blew out of its tree. Eagle biologists monitored the situation and found that during the next week, the parent eagles continued to feed their offspring, but by April 8, the biologists suspected that the young eaglet was not using its wings properly. State eagle biologist Jeff Cooper decided to bring the young bird to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for further assessment.
Latest Update: July 28, 2023
Bald Eaglets #23-0612 [Seven Bends State Park], #23-0710 [K62], and #23-1713 [Dulles Greenway] have all been doing well in the Center’s A3 flight enclosure.
While the young eaglets have been flying and building their flight muscles in this large space for several weeks, during the past few days, the rehabilitation staff started a formal exercise program for the young birds. Each day, the staff encourage the birds to fly from one end of the flight pen to the other, and they carefully monitor the bird’s stamina, lift, and maneuverability.
On April 1, a Bald Eagle nest at Seven Bends State Park in Shenandoah County blew out of its tree. Eagle biologists monitored the situation and found that during the next week, the parent eagles continued to feed their offspring, but by April 8, the biologists suspected that the young eaglet was not using its wings properly. State eagle biologist Jeff Cooper decided to bring the young bird to the Wildlife Center of Virginia for further assessment.
Latest Update: June 26, 2023
Bald Eaglet #23-0612 has been recovering well during the past few months. On May 25, veterinary staff removed the partition separating the A3 tower area from the full enclosure. In this larger space, the eagle will spend time recovering alongside Bald Eagles #22-3464 and #23-0710 [K62].
Bald Eagle #23-1713
On June 9, the Wildlife Center admitted a fledgling Bald Eaglet from the Dulles Greenway Eagle Nest in Leesburg, Virginia.
Latest Update: August 31, 2023
On August 31, Wildlife Center President Ed Clark released Bald Eaglet #23-1713 back to the wild in Loudoun County, Virginia! A small crowd of Dulles Greenway officials and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy staff were in attendance at the release. The eaglet flew off beautifully over the wetland habitat.
Getting ready for transport to the release site:
On June 9, the Wildlife Center admitted a fledgling Bald Eaglet from the Dulles Greenway Eagle Nest in Leesburg, Virginia.
Latest Update: August 29, 2023
Rehabilitation staff report that Bald Eagle #23-1713’s physical strength and stamina have improved during the past few weeks and that the bird is able to complete between 10-15 passes of the A3 flight pen during daily exercise. A blood sample was drawn and analyzed in-house on August 28, which did not reveal any abnormalities or medical concerns. Following more than four months of care at the Wildlife Center, Bald Eagle #23-1713 is ready for release!
On June 9, the Wildlife Center admitted a fledgling Bald Eaglet from the Dulles Greenway Eagle Nest in Leesburg, Virginia.
Latest Update: August 11, 2023
Bald Eaglets #23-0621 [Seven Bends State Park], #23-0710 [K62], and #23-1713 [Dulles Greenway] have all been steadily regaining their physical strength and stamina during the past two weeks.
On June 9, the Wildlife Center admitted a fledgling Bald Eaglet from the Dulles Greenway Eagle Nest in Leesburg, Virginia.
Latest Update: July 28, 2023
Bald Eaglets #23-0612 [Seven Bends State Park], #23-0710 [K62], and #23-1713 [Dulles Greenway] have all been doing well in the Center’s A3 flight enclosure.
While the young eaglets have been flying and building their flight muscles in this large space for several weeks, during the past few days, the rehabilitation staff started a formal exercise program for the young birds. Each day, the staff encourage the birds to fly from one end of the flight pen to the other, and they carefully monitor the bird’s stamina, lift, and maneuverability.
On June 9, the Wildlife Center admitted a fledgling Bald Eaglet from the Dulles Greenway Eagle Nest in Leesburg, Virginia.
Latest Update: July 10, 2023
Bald Eaglet #23-1713 finished his course of antifungal medications on Independence Day, and on July 5, the rehabilitation staff opened the tower doors into the main flight area of A3. The eaglet was quick to “fledge” from the tower, and shortly thereafter, flew down into the main enclosure to join eaglets #23-0621 and #23-0710. The three young hatch-year birds will continue to live together as they start flight conditioning in the next week or two, and prepare for their eventual release.
On June 9, the Wildlife Center admitted a fledgling Bald Eaglet from the Dulles Greenway Eagle Nest in Leesburg, Virginia.
Latest Update: June 29, 2023
Bald Eaglet #23-1713 has been doing well during the past two weeks and is still housed in the lofted tower area of the Center’s largest flight pen. The eaglet is eating well and consumes about 300 grams of both rat and fish each day.
On June 9, the Wildlife Center admitted a fledgling Bald Eaglet from the Dulles Greenway Eagle Nest in Leesburg, Virginia.
Latest Update: June 14, 2023
On June 13, Bald Eaglet #23-1713 was moved to the tower of the Center’s A3 flight enclosure. This lofted space overlooks the main flight space of the A3 enclosure, which is currently housing three other eagles – two hatch-year birds, and one adult. The tower is an ideal space for young Bald Eagles; once they are ready to fledge from the nest, the tower doors are opened, and the bird may test its wings and fly from the nest as it would in the wild.
The eagle is eating a diet of rats and fish and currently weighs 4.0 kg.
Bald Eagle #23-0413
On March 31, an adult Bald Eagle was found grounded in Smithfield, Virginia. The eagle was rescued by permitted wildlife rehabilitator Dana Lusher, who discovered numerous wounds and transferred the bird to the Wildlife Center.
Black Bear cubs of 2023
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: August 9, 2023
Following the successful repair of the Black Bear Complex fence, the veterinary team started moving the Black Bear cubs of 2023 to the Black Bear Complex early in the morning on August 8!
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: August 1, 2023
On August 2, the veterinary and rehabilitation teams will move the Black Bear cubs of 2023 to the Black Bear Complex. Repairs and final checks of the half-acre outdoor enclosure were completed during the week of July 24, and all five cubs are ready to transition to the new space.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: July 26, 2023
The five Black Bears have been doing well in the Center’s Large Mammal enclosure. The cubs continue to eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, insects, nuts, fish, seeds, and greens, and they also are regularly receiving some nice cool enrichment treats to help beat the heat and keep them entertained!
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: July 21, 2023
During July, the cubs in the Large Mammal Isolation [LMI] enclosure have continued to eat, grow, and play – and the rehabilitation staff have been adding frequent enrichment activities for the curious cubs. Recently, the cubs were treated to some “bobbing for fruit” activities as well as fishcicles!
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: July 6, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 are growing quickly, are nearly weaned off of bottle feeding, and have begun to explore both sides of the Center’s LMI enclosure. On July 4, wildlife rehabilitator Mac shared an update on the four cubs:
“Black Bear cub #23-0529 (one-ear) is up to 12 kg – we are planning to wean her from the bottle soon, but luckily she already seems to prefer solid foods. We’re still offering half of a bottle, or just a bottle of electrolytes without formula if she’s interested.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: June 20, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 continue to do well within the Center's LMI enclosure during the past week. A detailed update from wildlife rehabilitator Mac describes that all of the cubs are eating well and gaining weight, and have recently been fully introduced to Black Bear cub #23-1605 (Double Orange):
"Cub #23-0529 (one-ear) is up to 8.58 kg this week from 7.03 kg last week. We are going to start weaning her off of the bottle this week.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: June 14, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week – the three female cubs have been very active in the Large Mammal enclosure and can regularly be seen on camera, wrestling, running, and climbing. They still interact frequently with their large duck plushie!
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: June 2, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past couple of weeks – playing, eating, and growing!
Wildlife rehabilitator Mac’s cub notes this week include:
#23-0829 [broken leg bear]: “She’s up to 8.3 kg and is quite a handful when trying to capture for weighing – she had Alex and me running around the enclosure and wrestling to get her into a crate!”
#23-0681: "This cub is up to 4.16 kg this week and is still receiving bottles of formula twice a day [in addition to mush bowls and meals], though she hasn’t been as interested in the bottle lately."
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: May 17, 2023
The three Black Bear cubs of 2023 are doing well and have been growing quickly. Cub #23-0529 [one ear] weighed in at 4.3 kg on May 15, and is still receiving bottles, mush bowls, and juvenile bear meals twice per day. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac notes that the cub is highly energetic and is adjusting well to living side-by-side with Black Bear cubs #23-0681 and #23-0829 within the LMI 1 enclosure.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: May 10, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear #23-0529 [one ear] continues to be one of the more active cubs, and is very vocal throughout the day. She is eating well and gaining weight -- on May 8, she weighed in at 3.65 kg. Rehabilitation staff have transitioned to bottle feeding her twice per day while still offering mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. On May 3, she was transitioned into the full LMI 1 enclosure.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: May 3, 2023
Black Bear cub #23-0529 [one ear] is doing well, and has been quite active in LMI during the past week. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac reports that the cub is extremely interested in interacting with Black Bear cub #23-0681 [two ears], and has continued to show pacing behaviors in her enclosure outside of supervised playtime. She’s eating well and gaining weight – she regularly consumes 100% of the bottles that are offered three times per day, and usually eats solid foods overnight.
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: April 27, 2023
The first cub of 2023, #23-0529, has continued to do well during the past week. In addition to daily bottle feeding, the one-eared cub is now eating from mush bowls that the rehab team leaves for her, and she has increased in weight to 2.86kg. The rehab team notes that the cub has been intermittently pacing in her enclosure, likely because she does not have another cub to interact with. To provide socialization until cub #23-0681 can join her in LMI, the rehab team takes time to orchestrate "supervised" playtime each day. Take a look!
In April 2023, the Wildlife Center began admitting this year's bear cubs from several locations throughout Virginia. The young bears will be cared for by the Wildlife Center until spring 2024, at the time when they would begin naturally dispersing from their mothers.
Latest Update: April 17, 2023
The first Black Bear cub of 2023 has been doing very well during the past week. Rehabilitation staff report that she responds excellently to bottle feeding, and almost always finishes the entire bottle during each feeding session three times per day. While the cub hasn’t shown much interest in bowl-feeding at this point, staff will continue to offer “mush bowls” twice per day. Black Bear cub #23-0529’s body condition has improved during the past week, as well – her most recent weight was 2.66 kg.
Black Bear 23-2442
On July 11, a young bear cub was found, along a road in Fauquier County, beside her deceased mother. Rescuers contacted the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and the bear was admitted the following morning to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
Black Bear cub #23-1605 [Double Orange]
On June 2, a Black Bear cub was seen alone in a tree in Bedford County. After no sign of a sow was observed in the area for three days, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologists determined the cub had been orphaned, and transported it to the Wildlife Center of Virginia on the evening of June 5.
Black Bear cub #23-0829
In the early afternoon on April 27, a railway conductor in Tazewell County saw a young bear cub near the bodies of a deceased sow and cub that had likely been hit by a train. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources staff were alerted, and the cub was safely captured in a nearby creek after running away during the rescue attempt. The cub was transported to the Wildlife Center of Virginia later that same day.
Latest Update: May 10, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear #23-0529 [one ear] continues to be one of the more active cubs, and is very vocal throughout the day. She is eating well and gaining weight -- on May 8, she weighed in at 3.65 kg. Rehabilitation staff have transitioned to bottle feeding her twice per day while still offering mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. On May 3, she was transitioned into the full LMI 1 enclosure.
Black Bear cub #23-0681
On April 17, a private citizen observed a young Black Bear cub by itself near a roadway in Franklin County, Virginia. After several hours, no sign of a sow was seen in the area and the private citizen contained the cub on their own, coming into direct physical contact with the bear in the process. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologists were later called to the scene, received the cub, and transported it to the Wildlife Center.
Latest Update: May 10, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear #23-0529 [one ear] continues to be one of the more active cubs, and is very vocal throughout the day. She is eating well and gaining weight -- on May 8, she weighed in at 3.65 kg. Rehabilitation staff have transitioned to bottle feeding her twice per day while still offering mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. On May 3, she was transitioned into the full LMI 1 enclosure.
On April 17, a private citizen observed a young Black Bear cub by itself near a roadway in Franklin County, Virginia. After several hours, no sign of a sow was seen in the area and the private citizen contained the cub on their own, coming into direct physical contact with the bear in the process. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologists were later called to the scene, received the cub, and transported it to the Wildlife Center.
Latest Update: May 3, 2023
Black Bear cub #23-0529 [one ear] is doing well, and has been quite active in LMI during the past week. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac reports that the cub is extremely interested in interacting with Black Bear cub #23-0681 [two ears], and has continued to show pacing behaviors in her enclosure outside of supervised playtime. She’s eating well and gaining weight – she regularly consumes 100% of the bottles that are offered three times per day, and usually eats solid foods overnight.
On April 17, a private citizen observed a young Black Bear cub by itself near a roadway in Franklin County, Virginia. After several hours, no sign of a sow was seen in the area and the private citizen contained the cub on their own, coming into direct physical contact with the bear in the process. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologists were later called to the scene, received the cub, and transported it to the Wildlife Center.
Latest Update: April 27, 2023
The first cub of 2023, #23-0529, has continued to do well during the past week. In addition to daily bottle feeding, the one-eared cub is now eating from mush bowls that the rehab team leaves for her, and she has increased in weight to 2.86kg. The rehab team notes that the cub has been intermittently pacing in her enclosure, likely because she does not have another cub to interact with. To provide socialization until cub #23-0681 can join her in LMI, the rehab team takes time to orchestrate "supervised" playtime each day. Take a look!
Black Bear cub #23-0529
On the evening of April 8, the first Black Bear cub of 2023 was admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. After the lone cub had been observed for several days near a river in Bristol, Virginia with no sign of a sow in the area, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist rescued the cub and transported it to the Center.
Latest Update: May 10, 2023
The Black Bear cubs of 2023 have been doing well during the past week. Black Bear #23-0529 [one ear] continues to be one of the more active cubs, and is very vocal throughout the day. She is eating well and gaining weight -- on May 8, she weighed in at 3.65 kg. Rehabilitation staff have transitioned to bottle feeding her twice per day while still offering mush bowls and juvenile bear meals twice per day. On May 3, she was transitioned into the full LMI 1 enclosure.
On the evening of April 8, the first Black Bear cub of 2023 was admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. After the lone cub had been observed for several days near a river in Bristol, Virginia with no sign of a sow in the area, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist rescued the cub and transported it to the Center.
Latest Update: May 3, 2023
Black Bear cub #23-0529 [one ear] is doing well, and has been quite active in LMI during the past week. Rehabilitation Team Lead Mac reports that the cub is extremely interested in interacting with Black Bear cub #23-0681 [two ears], and has continued to show pacing behaviors in her enclosure outside of supervised playtime. She’s eating well and gaining weight – she regularly consumes 100% of the bottles that are offered three times per day, and usually eats solid foods overnight.
On the evening of April 8, the first Black Bear cub of 2023 was admitted to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. After the lone cub had been observed for several days near a river in Bristol, Virginia with no sign of a sow in the area, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources biologist rescued the cub and transported it to the Center.
Latest Update: April 27, 2023
The first cub of 2023, #23-0529, has continued to do well during the past week. In addition to daily bottle feeding, the one-eared cub is now eating from mush bowls that the rehab team leaves for her, and she has increased in weight to 2.86kg. The rehab team notes that the cub has been intermittently pacing in her enclosure, likely because she does not have another cub to interact with. To provide socialization until cub #23-0681 can join her in LMI, the rehab team takes time to orchestrate "supervised" playtime each day. Take a look!