Bear

Bear

From Page B1

best food source for him around here. He would climb around the tree, from branch to branch, looking for mulberries,” said Ron.

The house, on the Eldon Farm property off of Hawlin Road, is surrounded by green, rolling fields. The closest mountain is at least half a mile away.

It remains a mystery how the little bear cub made its way to the property, but experts say bears can Smell an apple from a quarter of a mile away.

“We moved here last August and I’ve never seen a bear around this property. To see the bear show up here was quite a surprise,” said Ron. “He must have caught wind of the mulberry tree and made his way here.”

On Sunday afternoon, two conservation police officers, an animal control officer, and the Alcotts finally were able to get the cub down from the tree. They put him in a crate, where he was then transported to Merritt’s home for the night. First thing Monday morning, the bear cub was sent to the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro, which offers health care to native wildlife.

The center’s staff completed a physical examination of “Bart" when he arrived, saying that he was “slightly emaciated, dehydrated, and full of ticks but had no other apparent major health issues.” He weighed in at 4.9 pounds.

“The cub was very active during his physical exam and certainly did not appreciate being handled,” said Dr. Dave McRuer, the Center’s Director of Veterinary Medicine.

Still in the center’s care, “Bart” is among 170 other animals being treated. He shares his life there in an adjoining pen with another cub who also was orphaned.

As of June 13, he weighed in at seven pounds. According to center rehabilitation staff, "he is eating well and is on a “hard food" diet, including vegetables, fruits, a few' nuts, and dog chow.

To see the capture of the baby bear, search the phrase “Capture of Bart the orphan bear cub" at www.youtube. com. For updates on Bart the baby bear, visit www.wildlifecenter.org.