Rescuing Orphan Bear Cubs -- Russia
IFAW is helping to rehabilitate Russian bear cubs orphaned by hunters so they
can be released to protected forests. We are also campaigning for a ban on
killing hibernating bears in Russia, which leaves hundreds of cubs to die.
During the winter months in Russia, wealthy hunters pay more than US$2,000 each
to rouse bears from hibernation and kill them. The hunters’ dogs dig and bark at
the den and wake the bear while the hunters wait nearby with rifles poised. When
the bear climbs out of the den, the hunters shoot without knowing if it is male
or female.
After the adult bear is killed, many cubs are abandoned to die. Some are taken from their dens and given to local villagers to be kept as pets. Others go to street photographers, mobile zoos, and circuses. There is also a demand for bear meat in hunting restaurants.
After the adult bear is killed, many cubs are abandoned to die. Some are taken from their dens and given to local villagers to be kept as pets. Others go to street photographers, mobile zoos, and circuses. There is also a demand for bear meat in hunting restaurants.
Bear cubs such as this young cub, orphaned by hunters who killed its mother, enjoy sanctuary at a Russian bear orphanage that has received longtime support from IFAW. The cubs are then reintroduced into the wild in a protected reserve.
