Bear Cub Rescue Anniversary

Three years in the wild, thanks to local residents

Bear cub in his crate right after capture in December, 2022. Photo courtesy Critter Care Wildlife Society.

It's been three years since the orphaned bear cub who came to be known as Tsaw'in was given a new lease on life, thanks to the help of local residents.

Near the end of 2022, a lone bear cub was spotted by local residents, with sightings reported on social media and also by text to Councillor Neville Abbott. After a few days, the cub was spotted up a tree on Isleview Place, after being scared up there by kids walking a dog. Two traps were moved to Isleview, and local resident (and Search and Rescue Manager) Ed Langford spotted him in a trap at around 7 p.m. in the evening. After obtaining a permit, Critter Care Wildlife Society volunteers drove out to pick him up on December 7.

The cub was severely emaciated, weighing a mere 40 pounds. After transporting him, the cub was treated by a veterinarian, who noted that he was dehydrated and had suffered frostbite to one ear. The vet put him on a special diet to allow him to slowly rehydrate and introduce the correct nutrients for him. After living inside for a few weeks gaining his health and strength back, he was introduced to an outdoor enclosure among the trees and a diet natural to what he would find in the wild.

Critter Care staff noted that the rehab process was a slow one for this little fella, but he gradually settled in and began to enjoy living in his temporary home. They invited the children of Lions Bay School to give the cub a name, and the kids chose the Squamish Nation's word for a Coho salmon: Tsaw'in, from a number of entries submitted by local residents.

Tsaw'in in his outdoor home before release in March, 2023. Photo courtesy Critter Care.

That spring, Tsaw'in was released at an undisclosed location and given a second chance at life.

Bear Smart committee members point to how the community was praised at the time for taking the actions to save the cub.

BC biologist and conservationist Wayne McCrory told Global News that he thought the cub would not have survived without the intervention, and that programs in BC have been generally successful rehabilitating bear cubs to return to the wild.

"This bear will be four in late January or February," says one Bear Smart committee member. "So if he's survived the hunting seasons and all other dangers, he could start being a father later next year or the year after."

An interview with Abbott on Global News from just after the rescue can be found HERE.

Critter Care Wildlife Society is always looking for support. Donations can be made HERE.

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