Black Bear #17-1298 Post-release update

Last month, Dr. Peach and wildlife rehabilitator Brie went out in the field with a DGIF biologist to hang several trail cameras, hoping to catch images of Black Bear #17-1298 more than eight months post-release, and nearly one year after receiving a one-dose treatment for mange. The bear’s GPS collar indicated that the bear was active in a particular area, and helped establish the best area in which to hang several cameras.

After several camera checks, the team was rewarded with several images of this formerly mangy bear on June 15. The bear looks healthy and has a beautiful hair coat – no signs of mange!

Dr. Peach continues to study this new medication for mange treatment in Black Bears; her current study is focused on how long the drug works in a bear’s body and how long it stays in their system.