Abandoned But Not Alone: Meet the Oakland Cubs Now Recovering in Wildlife Refuge
Photos courtesy of Woodlands Wildlife Refuge
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Oakland NJ, For weeks, the Lim family of Oakland, New Jersey, captivated the community with footage of a mother black bear and her four cubs “denning” comfortably under their home. But when the family moved on in late April, a heartbreaking discovery was made: two of the cubs had been left behind.
The Rescue of April and Oak
When the mama bear moved her brood on April 17, two small cubs—one male and one female—couldn’t keep up. After waiting over 24 hours for a mother who never returned, local authorities and the NJ Fish and Wildlife Bear Team stepped in to save the vulnerable pair.
The cubs were rushed to the Woodlands Wildlife Refuge in Hunterdon County, where they were given names inspired by their journey:
-
April: A 5.5-lb. female cub.
-
Oak: A 4.8-lb. male cub (named for their hometown of Oakland).
Why Did Mama Bear Leave?
According to Melissa Anahory of Woodlands Wildlife Refuge, mothers in busy residential areas may flee if they feel the area is disturbed or unsafe. “The other two cubs kept up with mom when she took off,” Anahory explained. “These two were left behind and she did not return for them.”
The Road to Rehabilitation: Spring 2027
The journey for April and Oak is just beginning. The refuge staff is providing critical care to stabilize the cubs, who are currently eating well and gaining weight.
However, they won’t be returning to the wild anytime soon. Black bears are typically released at their natural age of independence. April and Oak are expected to remain in rehabilitation until Spring 2027.
How You Can Help
Caring for bear cubs is a significant financial commitment, costing approximately $100 per week per bear. The Woodlands Wildlife Refuge has launched a GoFundMe to support the year-long journey of nurturing these cubs back to health( or website at www.woodlandswildlife.org/donate)
“While I am very sad to hear that their mom left them behind, I am so relieved to know that they are in good hands,” said Veronica O’Brien-Lim, who first documented the bears under her home.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
Oakland NJ Bergen County Wildlife Rescue Black Bears Animal Welfare Community News
