Five GPS-collared bears successfully survived their first winter in the wild
Five orphaned black bear cubs rehabilitated and released into Northern California in November 2025 successfully survived their first winter in the wild, according to recent data reviewed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) scientists. The bears established winter dens, hibernated naturally, and emerged healthy this spring.
The bears were part of an experimental effort led by CDFW’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program, in coordination with the department’s Game Conservation Program and North Central Region, to determine whether rehabilitated juvenile black bears could be successfully released in the fall rather than waiting until the traditional spring release. The approach has been used successfully in Nevada and Washington but had not previously been tested in California.
Each bear was ear-tagged, microchipped, and fitted with a GPS collar for scientific monitoring. Based on collar data, all five bears successfully denned through the winter before returning to the landscape this spring. 
“This is a massive win,” said Dr. Heather Perry, CDFW’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Program Coordinator. “These bears spent their first winter hibernating naturally in the wild as opposed to staying overwinter in a facility, which can be costly and difficult to do. It means less time in rehabilitation and less opportunity to get comfortable around humans.”
The releases were made possible through partnerships between CDFW, the Wildlife Health Lab, veterinary staff, Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, and the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center.
CDFW biologists say the success of the project demonstrates the resilience of young black bears and could help shape future wildlife rehabilitation practices in California.
The five bears included two female siblings from Nevada County, one male cub from El Dorado County, and two male siblings from Calaveras County. A third Calaveras County cub arrived at the rehabilitation center severely ill and was humanely euthanized.
CDFW also reminds Californians that preventing bears from accessing trash, pet food, bird feeders, and other human food sources remains the best way to reduce conflicts with wildlife. The department encourages residents and visitors to follow BearWise practices when living or recreating in bear country.
This story is based on information provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Read the original CDFW news release here: https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/a-massive-win-rehabilitated-black-bears-thriving-after-fall-releases
