Preservationist captures contented hums of bear cubs

Picture this: You’re in the New Hampshire woods. There’s a massive pile of apples in front of you. A cluster of black bear cubs is busy chomping away at the fruit.

As the cubs enjoy their snack, they emit an odd, yet affable hum, seemingly in unison.

That’s what writer, producer and wildlife preservationist John Fusco experienced at the Kilham Bear Center in Lyme, New Hampshire. He took a video and posted it on Twitter so others could see and hear the cubs too.

The Kilham Bear Center this year has taken in this year more than 30 black bear cubs from New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. The number of cubs it accepts each year “really depends on the natural food supplies,” said wildlife rehabilitator and black bear expert Ben Kilham.“this year, there was a drought which caused mothers to go looking for food and getting in trouble.”

Many black bear cubs lose their mothers when they search for food near areas occupied by humans.

Wildlife departments will sometimes euthanize bears that spend too much time searching for food near humans, said Rae Wynn-grant, a conservation scientist and large carnivore ecologist.

For now, these cubs don’t need to worry about going hungry. Fusco shot the video after delivering apples to the center; others bring more fruit and acorns to help feed the cubs as they grow.

Judging by the sound the bears make as they eat, they appreciate the snack.“that’s a happy sound ... a sound of contentment,” Kilham said.