Three 10-week-old black bear cubs are currently under the care of Black Bear Rescue Manitoba after their mother was tragically shot and killed near their den in Northern Balmoral. Judy Stearns, the organization’s president, described the young cubs – two females and a male – as distressed and traumatized, with the male cub notably vocal in his distress and struggling with eating. The illegal shooting of the mother bear occurred between the evening of March 30 and the afternoon of March 31, as reported by Manitoba conservation officials.
Conservation officers are actively investigating the incident and seeking information from the public regarding the perpetrator. It is against provincial regulations to hunt female black bears with cubs, as outlined in the 2025 hunting guide. Stearns expressed regret that the mother bear’s den location was shared online, potentially leading to the tragic outcome. She noted receiving numerous warnings about individuals approaching the den for photos, which could have disturbed the bears.
Stearns emphasized the vulnerability of the mother bear, who was peacefully nursing her cubs in an exposed area, posing no threat to anyone. The cubs, not yet capable of leaving the den, now face a challenging future without their mother’s protection. Black Bear Rescue Manitoba plans to rehabilitate and release the cubs back into the wild before denning season in the fall. Stating misconceptions about black bears, Stearns highlighted the importance of coexisting peacefully with these intelligent and shy animals, urging people to avoid feeding or approaching them.
The organization has condemned the senseless act and is determined to give the orphaned cubs a chance at survival and eventual return to their natural habitat. CBC News has initiated contact with Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie’s office for additional comments on the incident.