In December 2024, rescuers at Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in California were stunned by the condition of a tiny black bear cub found alone in El Dorado County. Weighing just 20 pounds, the orphaned cub was severely dehydrated, anemic, and almost completely bald due to a serious skin infection. He was barely hanging on.

“It was heartbreaking,” said Chelsea Engberg of GCWR. The team quickly jumped into action, developing a careful treatment plan—though they weren’t sure if he’d survive.

But little by little, the cub began to fight back.

As the weeks passed, his fur started to grow back, especially on his face. Even better, his wild instincts emerged—he began playing with enrichment toys and exploring his surroundings, all while keeping his distance from humans.

By February, the change was nothing short of miraculous. “He didn’t even look like a bear when he first arrived,” Engberg said. “Now, he’s thriving—and the fact that he still avoids people is a really good sign.”

Then in May, GCWR shared an update: the California Department of Fish and Wildlife had decided the cub wouldn’t be released back into the wild, likely due to his early struggles and health concerns. Instead, he’ll live out his life safely in a protected sanctuary.

Thanks to months of expert care, patience, and compassion, this once-sick little cub now has a future—a second chance, and a forever home where he can grow, explore, and simply be a bear.