A family from British Columbia encountered a baby bear cub struggling in Okanagan Lake and rescued it onto their boat. Initially unconcerned, the situation quickly escalated as the cub began struggling to stay afloat. After being brought on board, the shivering cub, named “Boo Boo,” was fed cheese and warmed in the sun by the Zamniuk family.
The family promptly contacted the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) and the B.C. SPCA for guidance. Despite receiving instructions to bring the cub to shore and minimize interaction, the family found the cub hesitant to leave the boat upon reaching shore in its previous swimming direction. Eventually, they nudged it off the boat, and it swam to shore before disappearing into the woods.
However, the COS did not respond to the scene or provide clear information on the cub’s future. They emphasized avoiding contact with the cub to prevent dependency on humans, which could hinder its survival in the wild.
The COS confirmed the incident, stating no further reports of an orphan bear cub had been received. WildSafeBC, an educational program focusing on wildlife conflict prevention, commended the positive outcome for both the cub and its rescuers.
A spokesperson from the Central Okanagan branch issued a public reminder to steer clear of wildlife, especially during September, a peak activity period for bears. Encounters may increase during this time, and if a bear cub is sighted, its mother may be close by and defensive. While black bears are typically proficient swimmers, human intervention is rarely necessary, with the COS being the recommended contact for distressed animals.