Lucky Seven Return Home

Releasing seven American Black Bears over two days is an intricate process during routine times. During a pandemic, it requires even more planning and adaptation to protect human health and the well-being of the bears.

PAWS staff readily accepted this challenge, knowing that early May was the opportune time to release these orphaned bears, several of whom had been in care at PAWS Wildlife Center for over a year. Spring is when bears emerge from hibernation and yearlings are naturally independent of their moms.

Prior to a bear release, PAWS rehabilitation and veterinary teams, along with officials from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, anesthetize the bear for a final exam that includes a weight check, blood test, and application of ear tags and GPS collars for later tracking.

With multiple bears, and with social distancing required, this was a trickier process than usual. Unable to perform the procedures in our small, enclosed wildlife surgery room, the bears were instead carried outside one after another to receive their pre-release exams on large ground cloths.

Pre-release exams took place outdoors to adhere to safe social distancing protocols.

“Our vet team devised a plan that prioritized the bears’ safety while adhering to human social distancing standards,” says Jeff Brown, PAWS Wildlife Naturalist. “This ‘bear assembly line’ allowed us to accomplish everything that we normally do and keep everyone safe.”

The pandemic hasn’t slowed down the PAWS Wildlife Center. Aside from releasing bears and other animals back to the wild, the staff is busy caring for injured and orphaned wildlife during baby season. Nearly 70 percent of the year’s wild animals are admitted during the spring and summer months. Fortunately, caring citizens continue to bring wildlife to PAWS—although now it’s by appointment and handled through a drop-off window.

Says Wildlife Rehabilitator Robbie Thorson, “People are still willing to spend time helping a wild animal, like attempting to re-nest an animal after receiving instructions from our experts over the phone.”

PAWS volunteers, who typically assist with a large portion of animal care, were initially asked to stay home as a safety precaution. A handful of volunteers have returned in a limited capacity, while others continue to help offsite—sewing masks, delivering items for the animals, and leaving supportive messages for the staff.

“We’re so grateful for the enduring support from everyone who cares about PAWS,” says Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Nicki Rosenhagen. “I really think that this crisis will make us stronger and more resilient than ever.”