We could not make out the number on the female's ear tag covered in thick fur even through the powerful binoculars and decided to set up camera traps on the swamp and along the surrounding paths. All we could do was waiting. And our expectations were met and exceeded! Effective positioning of camera traps set up in April of 2017 helped obtaining the images of the female bear. And more than that, three cute balls of fluff, the cubs born in 2017, were stomping around the female. It was her third litter, and again, consisting of three cubs! This time we were able to read the ear tag number that was clearly seen on the photo. As expected, the female turned out to be Nora. Her story is not typical for orphaned bear cubs that have been rehabilitated at our Center.
Nora and all her three cubs were seen in April, August, September, and October of 2017.
Our observations have clearly confirmed that, similar to the wild brown bears, orphaned bear cubs that have undergone rehabilitation at our Center can establish pairs in breeding season, produce offspring, and keep their cubs alive during their first year of life. For us Nora's cubs were the most valuable reward!