What Happens When a Bear Is Rescued in New York?

Recently, an Ulster County Sheriff's Deputy responded to a report of a bear cub in distress. It started a long journey that will hopefully lead to its re-release into the wild.

Warmer weather means that bear sightings are becoming more common in New York, as are rescues of small bear cubs (below). But what actually happens when a bear is rescued in the state? The answer, as it turns out, is complicated.

"Disoriented" Bear Cub Rescued in Ulster County

The bear cub recently found in Ulster County was first collected by an Ulster County Sheriff deputy before being handed off to Catskill Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation. But the journey didn't stop there, as the center was not licensed to care for the animal. In fact, only one center is.

There are thousands of bears in New York, but only one place they are legally allowed to be rehabbed (Catskill Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation via Facebook)

Catskill Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation Transfers Rescued Bear Cub

After receiving the cub, Catskill Mountain Wildlife Rehabilitation posted to social media explaining the legalities of animal rehab, including which licenses were required for care as well as where they were able to bring the rescued cub (below).

Which New York Rehabilitation Centers Are Licensed to Care for Bears?

As the center explained, rehabilitation specialists are issued specific licenses allowing care of certain animals, with a "large mammal license" required for the rehabilitation of deer, moose, and bear. Only one organization in New York is permitted to work with black bears.

Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center in Windham, NY is the only rehabilitation center licensed to rehab large mammals in New York State. In recent months they have dealt with several high-profile rescues of local bear cubs.

Any New York resident who believes they have seen a bear in distress is urged to contact the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, their local police department, or their nearest wildlife rehabilitation center... chances are they will eventually end up at Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center.

Bear on Campus at SUNY New Paltz NY

On Thursday (June 23, 2022) this unassuming good-size black bear wandered onto campus and decided to climb a tree. The SUNY New Paltz Police along with the NYS DEC Police monitored the situation on-site. They were able to encourage the campus visitor to return home without incident.

Gallery Credit: Paty Quyn