(NewsNation) — A group was caught on camera taking bear cubs out of a tree in North Carolina and holding them for photos before dropping one of the animals, sending it scrambling to return to its habitat.
The video was reported to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission on Tuesday, the agency said in a news release. When staff arrived, they learned both cubs had escaped after a cub bit one of the people.
Coordinator Ashley Hobbs captured one cub, which was discovered in a retention pond. The other hasn’t been located.
“The cub appeared to be lethargic and frightened,” she said. “It looked to be favoring one of its front paws and was wet and shivering.”
Its condition is likely the result of “the unnecessary and irresponsible actions of the people involved,” said Game Mammals and Surveys Supervisor Colleen Olfenbuttel.
The cub is now being cared for by a licensed and experienced cub rehabilitator. Experts hope the animal can be re-released later this year.
“This time of year, mother bears are emerging from their den with their cubs that are experiencing the outside world for the first time and are very dependent on their mother to feed and protect them…” Olfenbuttel said. “Even if you don’t see the mother bear, she could be nearby, and the cubs are waiting for her to return. By trying to capture a bear cub, you may cause it to become orphaned, injured or both, as we saw occur in this incident.”
