An Unlikely Rescue

Near Lillooet, BC, a story unfolded that kept all of us at Northern Lights Wildlife Society in suspense during the second week of May. It began with a distressing call from a Conservation Officer about twin black bear cubs left orphaned after their mother was tragically shot by a tree planter. The news struck a chord within our team, and immediate plans were made to rescue these vulnerable cubs from an uncertain fate.

The rescue attempt, however, was anything but straightforward. The cubs were in rugged terrain, making access extraordinarily difficult. For three agonizing days, questions loomed large—were the cubs still alive? Could we reach them in time?

Fueled by determination and hope, our rescue volunteers pressed on, navigating the challenging landscape, while carrying the necessary gear. Their perseverance paid off when, against all odds, they found the cubs alive, high up in a tree for safety. It was a moment of profound relief and joy, but our mission was far from over. We quickly set traps, eager to bring the cubs to safety.

Yet, the wilderness teaches patience—while one cub, driven perhaps by curiosity or hunger, ventured into a trap, its sibling remained wary and refused to follow. As daylight faded our team faced the difficult decision to withdraw. Our hearts were heavy with the thought of leaving the hesitant cub behind, but a turn of fate brought a wave of relief. Just as our rescuers were packing to leave, the second cub, perhaps sensing that he was about to lose his brother, bravely entered the trap.

Both cubs were finally safe and though the trip back was not easy, carrying two cubs, it was a trip filled with joy. This rescue story is a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the relentless spirit of those who dedicate their lives to animal welfare. It's these moments that underscore the importance of our work and the impact of your support.

As we continue to care for Atlas and Zeus, as the twins have been affectionately named, we are reminded of the crucial role that each of you plays in this journey. Your support enables not just the rescue and rehabilitation of animals in distress but also fuels our ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for helping us ensure that stories like that of Atlas and Zeus have a hopeful ending. Together, we are making a difference—one rescue at a time.

Tobi Update March 2, 2024

 

Tobi has moved to an outside enclosure, She gained over 10lb already and is really enjoying her new surroundings. Soon we are going to introduce a playmate. 

Tobi Update

 The small cub rescued on January 31 in Tobiano BC is holding her/his own so far. After prolonged lack of feed, feeding has to start very slowly to prevent re-feeding syndrome. We therefore are waiting to sedate him/her until he/she is more stable. So far all looks well and he/she has a good appetite. 

A microscopic mystery infecting BC bears

We are seeing possibly more cubs infected with this disease than we can positively identify. There is no method yet to confirm an infected cub when it is alive, but if we go by symptoms then we had several this year. One that we lost was definitely diagnosed with this disease. Click for more information

NLWS 2023 Year in Review

As we reflect on 2023 at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society, it's clear that this year has been one of both challenges and growth. We faced an unprecedented number of orphaned cubs, signaling a shift in the natural order due to environmental changes. Despite this, our dedication to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation has never been stronger. We've expanded our capabilities, training new volunteers and enhancing our equipment to ensure a rapid and effective response to wildlife in need across British Columbia.

2023 also marked a leap forward in our research collaborations. We joined forces with esteemed universities for in-depth studies on black bears and moose, aiming to improve our understanding and success in wildlife rehabilitation. The support we've received has been instrumental in these endeavors. It's inspiring to see how far we've come, growing beyond what we once thought possible. As we move forward, your continued support fuels our commitment to face upcoming challenges and make a lasting impact on wildlife conservation.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" Your Choice!

Monday Dec 25 winners are Karin Ticket #6179, Mike Ticket #6334 and Barbara Anne Ticket #5928
You all will receive each a a prize of your choice!

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" Bear Paw Print

Sunday Dec 24 winners are Tim & Claudia Ticket #4679, Linda Ticket #5509, Gloria Ticket #6247, John Ticket #5780, Paris Ticket #6057, Nick Ticket #5123, Susan Ticket #5476, Sandra Ticket #5161, Ingrid Ticket #6225 and Wendy Ticket #6195
You all will receive each a Bear Paw Print.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" NLWS 2024 Calendar

Saturday Dec 23 winners are Tom Ticket #5850, Linda Ticket #5524, Marty Ticket #6383, Malcolm Ticket #6172, Marieka Ticket #5137, Len Ticket #5020, Donald Ticket #4774, Catherine Ticket #5069 and Trish Ticket #5630
You all will receive each a NLWS 2024 Calendar.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" Bear Paw Bracelet

Friday Dec 22 winners are Brenda Ticket #6297, Wendy Ticket #5572, Angela Ticket #6084, Maria Ticket #4743, Carolyn Ticket #5147, Mary Ticket #5529, Jeannette Ticket #6063 and Zoey Ticket #4660
You all will receive each a Bear Paw Bracelet.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" Bear Paw Necklace

Thurs Dec 21 winners are Janine Ticket #6197, Brad and Nadine Ticket #5886, Richard Ticket #5449, David Ticket #5669, Susan Ticket #5391l, Amanda Ticket #4704 and Samantha Ticket #6106
You all will receive each a pair of bear paw necklace.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" NLWS Tee Shirt

Weds Dec 20 winners are Jason Ticket #6114, Tania Ticket #5384, Jennifer Ticket #6092, Gloria Ticket #6265, Jennifer Ticket #4612, Douglas Ticket #5497 and Loretta Ticket #6398
You all will receive each a NLWS T-Shirt.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" NLWS Baseball Cap

Tuesday Dec 19 winners are Norma Ticket #4908, Diana Ticket 35792, Sandra Ticket #5801, Linda Ticket #5181 and Jean Ticket #4856
You all will receive each an NLWS Baseball Cap.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" Bear Paw Earings

Monday Dec 18 winners are Linda ticket #5835, Susan ticket #5392, Janet ticket #6154 and Debbie ticket #5973
You all will receive each a pair of bear paw earrings.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" Bunny Slippers

Sunday Dec 17 Winners are Rhonda with ticket #5272, Sherry with ticket #5681 and Betty with ticket #6154.
You've won a pair of Bunny Slippers! Congratulations.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winners of the "10 Days Til Christmas" Paw Mitts!

Saturday Dec 16 Winners are Susan with ticket #4980 and Cavren with ticket #6296.
You've both won a pair of paw mitts! Congratulations.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Winner of the "10 Days Til Christmas" Buddy Bear!

Friday Dec 15 Winner is Janice with ticket #4980.
You won the warm Buddy Bear! Congratulations.

As the holiday season brings its joy and cheer, we at the Northern Lights Wildlife Society would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who participated in our "10 Days Til Christmas" event. Your enthusiasm and support in purchasing tickets for this special occasion have played a vital role in our ongoing efforts to protect and nurture wildlife.

Your participation goes beyond just attending an event; it directly contributes to our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing animals back into their natural habitats. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of wildlife in British Columbia, and your support enables us to continue this critical work. From providing medical care to orphaned animals to educating the public about wildlife conservation, every ticket sold brings us closer to achieving these goals.

During this season of giving, your generosity shines brightly, reflecting the true spirit of the holidays. Your support not only helps us care for the animals but also strengthens our commitment to make a positive difference in their lives. We are deeply thankful for your contribution and are proud to have you as part of our community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness.

Easter Arrival

 

Another little cub from 2022 found it's way to NLWS this Easter. We are so grateful the BC Government is permitting us to give these youngsters a fighting chance. Big thanks also to Capture Volunteer Kimberly Balcom and a host of transport volunteers that facilitated a fast journey from Crawford Bay to Smithers. We could not be more at awe at all this commitment and dedication.

Spring Has Sprung

Hibernation is a survival mechanism used by some animals to conserve energy during times of scarcity. During the winter months, when food is scarce, bears will enter a state of hibernation. They will lower their heart rate, body temperature, and metabolism in order to conserve energy. While in hibernation, bears do not eat or drink and rely on their stored fat reserves for energy. Female bears will also give birth during hibernation, and their cubs will remain with them until they emerge from the den in the spring. Despite popular belief, hibernation is not a continuous sleep, but rather a state of torpor where the animal can be easily awakened.

Did you know about torpor?

Torpor is a state of reduced physiological activity in animals that helps them conserve energy during periods of limited food availability or extreme environmental conditions. In bears, torpor is a form of hibernation that allows them to survive long periods of winter without eating or drinking. During torpor, bears reduce their metabolic rate, heart rate, and breathing rate, which allows them to conserve energy and maintain their body temperature at a lower level than normal. They enter a state of dormancy where their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing slow down significantly, but they are not fully asleep or unconscious.

Bears typically enter torpor in the fall, and it lasts for several months until spring arrives and they emerge from their dens. During torpor, bears do not eat or drink, but they do occasionally wake up to move around or even leave their dens to eliminate waste. They are able to recycle their metabolic waste and produce water through metabolic processes. This ability to survive for months without food or water makes torpor an essential survival strategy for bears in harsh environments where food is scarce. However, it also means that bears are vulnerable to disturbances during this period, as they may have limited energy reserves and be slow to respond to potential threats.

Finding Food

After hibernation, bear cubs typically emerge from their dens in the early spring and are in need of food to replenish their depleted energy reserves. The diet of a bear cub will vary depending on its location and the availability of food in its habitat. In general, bear cubs will begin by feeding on the early spring plants and grasses that are beginning to emerge. These can include dandelions, clover, and other herbaceous plants. They may also feed on insects and small animals such as rodents, which are becoming more active as the weather warms up. As the spring progresses, bear cubs may also eat berries and fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, and apples.

As the summer months approach, the diet of a bear cub will expand to include a wider variety of foods. In areas with abundant salmon populations, bear cubs will often feed heavily on these fish as they migrate upriver to spawn. In other regions, bear cubs may eat a variety of other fish species or small mammals such as ground squirrels. Additionally, bear cubs may continue to eat berries and fruits as they become available throughout the summer months. Overall, the diet of a bear cub is diverse and will depend on the availability of food in its particular habitat.