A Manitoba bear rescue organization’s owner revealed that three 10-week-old black bear cubs have been incessantly calling for their mother since she was fatally shot near their den north of Balmoral earlier this week. Judy Stearns, the president and proprietor of Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, expressed deep concern for the traumatized young cubs – two females and a male – now under her care. She described the male cub as particularly distressed, constantly vocalizing for his mother and struggling to eat.
The mother bear’s illegal shooting occurred between 7:30 p.m. on March 30 and 1 p.m. on March 31, as reported by Manitoba conservation officials on social media. An investigation into the incident is underway, urging anyone with relevant information to contact Selkirk conservation officers or the turn-in-poachers tip line.
It is against the law to kill a female black bear with cubs in the province, according to the 2025 provincial hunting guide. Stearns suggested that the mother bear might have survived had the den’s location not been shared online, leading to the unfortunate outcome. She expressed frustration and disappointment over the situation, emphasizing the risks posed by disclosing such information publicly.
Concerns were raised when individuals started visiting the den location after it was shared on social media, potentially disturbing the bear family. Stearns, with years of animal advocacy experience, expressed her fears regarding the possible consequences, which sadly materialized with the mother bear’s tragic fate.
The vulnerability of the nursing mother bear and her helpless cubs was highlighted by Stearns, who criticized the heartless act of harming a defenseless animal. She stressed the importance of coexisting peacefully with black bears, dispelling common misconceptions about these creatures and advocating for responsible interactions to prevent conflicts.
The orphaned cubs are set to undergo rehabilitation at Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, with plans for their eventual reintroduction to the wild before denning season in the fall. Efforts to reach out to Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie’s office for comment by CBC News are ongoing.
