Springbank bear likely hibernating, should be left alone
Biologist says species has ‘remarkable ability to heal and recover from injuries’
The Springbank area’s injured black bear hasn’t been seen for nearly two weeks and is probably hibernating, two wildlife biologists said.
And one of the biologists, prominent bear researcher Gordon Stenhouse, said the bear named Russell, whose left hind leg appears damaged, could well shake off his injury without any help.
“We will physically catch a bear with a missing foot and see the same bear with two or three cubs, fat and running 40 miles an hour,” said Stenhouse, lead with the fRI Research Grizzly Bear Program at Hinton.
“Bears have a remarkable ability to heal and recover from injuries.”
At the same time, he said Russell, who’s been living in a field on Highway 22 and Springbank Road, has been fed by members of the public, complicating his situation.
“In cases where bears are fed, it could delay their hibernation or even prevent it,” he said.
Local bear watchers, including biologist Lisa Dahlseide, say young bruin Russell hasn’t been seen since Dec. 23 and is likely in hibernation.
“We’re hoping he’s hunkered down and sleeping, but I must say I’m worried because of the cold spell and his condition of his fur coat,” said Dahlseide, referring to a cold snap where wind chill temperatures dipped to around -40 C that lasted for more than a week in late December.
It’s possible the bear has settled into a den prepared by his now dead or absent mother when he was born, in a grove of willow and spruce trees at the site, she said.
A surveillance camera set up at an artificial den placed at the location hasn’t picked up any signs of the bear, Dahlseide said.
Stenhouse also said it’s likely Russell is hibernating.
Dahlseide and other wildlife advocates have been pressing the province to allow a Cochrane-area rescue society to take in the bear, assess its injury, rehabilitate him if necessary and release him in the spring.
They’re also lobbying the province to change a policy forbidding rescue societies to aid certain larger mammals.
As for Russell, they say the possibility he’s suffering from a humancaused injury makes it imperative there’s an intervention.
But on Thursday Dahlseide admitted Russell seems resilient.
“I underestimated him right from the start, I didn’t think he’d make it past November,” she said.
“If he made it through the cold snap, he’ll make it through the winter.”
Russell was first spotted in the field in late September, attracting the attention of gawkers, feeders, supporters and wildlife officials.
I underestimated him right from the start ... If he made it through the cold snap, he’ll make it through the winter.