According to a press release issued by DEC, on July 28th, a motorist called DEC to report that he had struck a bear cub on Route 3 in the town of Franklin.
ECO James Cranker reported that he responded and located the cub in a tree alongside the busy highway. The cub seemed dazed and was favoring an injured front leg. ECO Cranker said he followed the bear a short distance into the woods, while being alert for the presence of an adult bear in the vicinity.
DEC Wildlife Biologist Jim Sickles and a crew of wildlife technicians arrived and successfully delivered a tranquilizer to immobilize the bear. A cursory examination of the cub showed abrasions and a broken front leg, but the injuries appeared non-life threatening.
The bear was transported to Cornell University in Ithaca for treatment and rehabilitation and is expected to be released when it is determined to be at full strength.
Photo of the tranquilized bear cub provided by DEC.
Delightful! I’m glad the bear is doing well. My only bear sighting was also on the road, but at some distance. I guess they are surprisingly frequent road crossers…
They often scavenge road kill and there are often berries and fruit along the road as well.
I wish my healthcare insurance was that good!