Come summer, I often see bears in my neighbourhood on the West Arm of Kootenay Lake. They are almost always black bears, and always look heathy, whether boar, sow, or cub.
So far, this year has been unusual. I have seen two bears in the late spring, both cubs, and both looking worse for wear. The grizzly cub was healthy, but scrawny. The black bear cub was also gaunt. Why were they both on their own, apparently without a mother?
The black bear cub paused and looked up. It is missing fur and has a possible injury on its left rear hip. The missing hair might be the result of mange.
As the gaunt cub hurried away, the possible injury and missing fur is clearly visible.
The face in the profile shot looks like a brown (griz) but I wouldn’t say it is one. Short claws, no hump and the big ears all say black bear. It sure is in terrible condition. A yearling, no? Troubling.