A family in British Columbia rescued a baby bear cub in Okanagan Lake after spotting it struggling to stay afloat last weekend. The Zamniuk family initially wasn’t concerned about the cub but became alarmed when it started to struggle in the water.
Christina Zamniuk, a member of the family, described how the cub’s nose kept going under the water, and it appeared to be in distress. They named the cub “Boo Boo” and noticed it was shivering and shaking from the cold water. To help warm up the cub, they fed it some cheese while it basked in the sun on their boat.
After spotting the cub, the family promptly contacted the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) and the B.C. SPCA for assistance. They were instructed to bring the cub to shore without unnecessary interaction. Despite their efforts, the COS did not arrive at the scene or provide clear guidance on the cub’s fate.
Upon reaching the shore, the cub hesitated to leave the boat and seemed to want to stay with the family. Eventually, they nudged the cub into the water, where it swam to shore and disappeared into the woods.
The COS confirmed the incident and stated that no further reports of an orphan bear cub in the area had been received. WildSafeBC commended the family for their actions, emphasizing the importance of not touching wildlife to prevent interference with their natural instincts.
WildSafeBC also reminded the public to exercise caution around wild animals, especially during September, a peak season for bear activity. They advised that encountering a bear cub likely means the mother is nearby, potentially posing a threat if she feels her cub is in danger. The organization stressed that contacting the COS is crucial if encountering distressed wildlife.
