Rocky.. A Bear’s Story
This past weekend I had an experience I would like to share with all of you.
I went to visit my boyfriend at his home in northern New Hampshire.
This was my first visit to his home and the area was very rural, in fact, most of it is surrounded by mountains and state forest.
We were walking in his yard when I looked across the road from his house, to a large hilly field and saw a small black shape and pointed it out to him.
He was also looking at the field but more to the left where I had been looking and saw a wild turkey.. he thought that was what I was talking about.
It was not until his granddaughter arrived a few minutes later, and through binoculars, spotted a bear cub in the field.
We hopped in his car and drove up to the spot, staying in the car, sure that Mama bear would be somewhere near, and really just hoping to get a few good pics from the safety of the car.
This small head popped out of the crop of large boulders where he went to hide from us… he then came out a bit further and we could see he was walking very unsteady…it did not take long for us to realize that maybe Mama bear was gone and the cub was on his own.
We called local Fish and Game, who was a few hours away. We kept watch, still no sign of mother.. We went back to house and got some raisin bread and spread honey on it and brought it back to him… we retreated and watched..
The little guy quickly ate everything on the plate.. it was clear to us he was starving..
We knew there were coyotes in the area, so made a quick decision.. back to the house and got a large barrel..
We did not realize that between the two large boulders where he kept retreating to was a deep hole filled with water. The little bear had fallen into the freezing water so we had to act fast… without thinking Michael reached down and grabbed the bear by both ears, (all he could get hold of) pulled him out of the water and set him in the barrel. He was so weak and cold he did not even fight about his capture.
We took him to the local vet who gave us some formula for him, brought him back to the house, and he lapped up a good amount , a very good sign that he wanted to eat.
The Game Warden took him and brought him to the local Wildlife Biologist for evaluation before being transferred to a Wildlife Rehab center.
When we called this morning we were told to our surprise, this was no cub, but in fact his age was at least 14 months! His weight at this age should have been at least 130lbs, yet he weighed less than 20! How he survived this long was nothing short of a miracle, in face the biologist we spoke to was amazed.
“Rocky” at present, his doing fine, eating and getting hydration and lots of rest. We were furthered surprised when the biologist told us that when it is time for Rocky to be returned to the wild, that Michael and I will be able to join them, (usually not allowed). It has been such an honor to be a part of this little fellows journey, and we are excited to be a part of the second part of his journey, his return to his home territory.
I will keep you all posted on his progress and will post some pics of him as soon as I upload them.
tc all
three cheers ellie!!!
ty juttaaaa!!
thanks lo, will keep everyone updated and will be posting pics soon
oh wow! What an experience. I’m sending out prayers right now for Rocky. I must commend you and Michael, Ellie for you quick response to this tragic situation for poor Rocky. Please keep us posted on his progress.
Wonderful
ty bob
thanks pat, cannot wait to see him return to the wild!
Theres a lovely ending to your weekend ellie you save a cubs life it would never have made it if not for you two ,well done
thanks way, hope he does make it!!
Lovely story. Hope the little fella makes it back in the wild
thanks daisie, can’t wait to see him all recovered and back where he belongs!
Lovely story and ending Ellie!! x
ty ann, the true hero here is rocky, how he survived as long as he did is truly a miracle!
Ellie, What a wonderful story and so glad your boyfriend was able to save him and take him to the vet and then to the Wildlife Rehab Center.
Ha haha capp! It’s always been a favorite of mine
Told you guys a long time back that raisin bread is good for you :)…..Well done to you Ellie 🙂
It was really so cool bloom, we can’t wait to see him again
Ellie, thank you for sharing your story and your guy must be kind and I hope you and he have more shared times. You definitely had an adventure here.
Oh Ellie that must have been like being in your own wildlife documentary. I love happy endings and so far so good. It must be an amazing place where you were.
Blink, will try to get some pics posted soon!
Lol.Ellie.you told us that you was going on an adventure,but what an adventure it was.So glad Michael and you were there at the right time ,in the right place..a memory that will never be forgotten..and Rocky will continue to improve and be back where he belongs real soon Well done to you both.xxxxx
Brilliant, heart-warming story, Ellie – so glad your assistance has saved the poor little guy. Keep up the good work – and interesting blogs!
Besides that is some good new in our time I would like to know if there were no
other cubs around? Normally a mum bear has to little cub to look after. I hope you didn’t miss one.
A wonderful experience for you miss and will stay with you all your life. Hope Rocky will remember you and your manfriend who saved him . It will be friend for life. Cheers, keep the good work. xxx
Wow ellie! what a great experience for you….love hearing stories like that!! We all need to look after our fellow creatures…love it!!
Lovely story xx
would have loved to be part of Rockies saving you luck lady Ellie.
Enjoyed reading about Rocky, Ellie. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
What a wonderful story and an even happier ending!!! Good for you!!!! What an awesome thing to see!!!
Awwwwww ellie what a wonderful experience . Well done xx
lovely Ellie x