Black Bear #16-1817 Release

On February 8, Dr. Peach darted and anesthetized Black Bear #16-1817 for a final check prior to release. When the bear was first admitted last summer, the veterinary team noted that one of the bear's teeth was fractured and discolored; they wanted to examine the teeth again to see if an extraction was needed while the bear was still at the Wildlife Center. Fortunately, the bear's teeth appeared to be in the same condition; while some are discolored and possibly dead, there is no sign of inflammation or any other issues that would warrant a major surgery.

With a clean bill of health, the bear was approved for release. On March 1, a biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries picked up the bear for release. The bear was returned to the general part of the state where she was found, though not exactly where she was picked up, due to the bear mange issue. The bear weighed 85 kg at release.