Ponderosa the black bear cub now housed at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care has a new guest in residence, Ponderosa the bear cub.

The 25-pound black bear arrived at the South Lake Tahoe facility Thursday. He had been watched by the community of Ponderosa which is located east of Porterville, Calif., near the Sequoia National Forest. It is unknown how he became separated from his mother.

The 10-11 month cub will be at LTWC until he is ready to live on his own. They will be feeding him and teaching him the skills needed to survive in the wild. Since he is eating he will not be going into hibernation. Ponderosa (most cubs at LTWC are named after the region they come from) is in a generally healthy condition, eating well, and has no apparent injuries or health issues.

This new arrival represents the first new bear resident since the 2021 fire season and the completion of renovations to its bear enclosures and renewal of its bear rehabilitation license from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. LTWC expects to welcome additional bear cubs during the 2021/2022 winter season.

"We passed with flying colors," said LTWC spokesperson Greg Erfani of their license renewal.

During the summer, the cub Tamarack escaped its enclosure at LTWC and is now thriving, even with his treated burned paws. Improvements have been made at the center to the satisfaction of Fish and Wildlife.

There is an opportunity for people to support the care facility, either by making a donation through December 31 that will be matched by two big supporters or helping with food and care needs. Become a Wildlife Hero by visiting LTWC.org and following them on Facebook or Instagram.

The Ponderosa community had been keeping a watchful eye on him and was hoping his mother would return, but after weeks of being alone, California Fish and Wildlife decided that it was best that he be sent to LTWC for his overall care and well-being.

LTWC will continue to update everyone on his progress via their various social media pages.

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, founded in 1978, seeks to protect and keep wildlife wild and healthy. Through our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured animals, LTWC has successfully released more than 18,000 animals back into the wild with the support of our Wildlife Heroes. We are one of only three Black bear rehabilitation centers in California. LTWC is a recognized charitable non-profit Tax/Federal ID (94-2799765) with 501(c)(3) status. They partner with learning institutions to use the most up-to-date technology and animal care practices in the rehabilitation of the animals and birds in its care.