Bear cub joins CALM family

bearcub032: Bear cub joins CALM familyA new bear cub took up residence at the California Living Museum (CALM) on March 19 and will begin receiving visitors soon after his 30-day quarantine concludes. Meanwhile, Kern County students are invited to submit possible names for the one-year-old cub.

The new bear cub was placed in quarantine where he will remain for at least 30-days. Once the quarantine ends, the bear cub will join CALM’s other ambassador animals and take up residence in the bear exhibit. The new bear cub will join Dart, who until a few months ago, shared the living space with her brother, Digger. Unfortunately, Digger had to be euthanized following an injury that left him paralyzed.

The bear cub arrived at CALM from Sacramento where he was kept in a temporary shelter operated by the California Department of Fish and Game. It is believed, he was either orphaned or abandoned. Had CALM not taken in the bear cub, he would have been euthanized since fish and game can only house animals for a short time.

“We were approached by fish and game and asked if we could accept this bear cub and, fortunately, we are delighted to be in position to do so,” said Richard Hewett, who directs CALM’s day-to-day operations. “Soon after his quarantine ends, we will let the community know, so they can join us in watching him settle in and grow here at CALM.”

The bear cub weighs about 100 pounds. Bears grow most during their second year, so within the next few months he will gain considerable weight and height, Hewett said.

A naming contest, open to all Kern County students is under way. The final name will be selected from the entries by the CALM staff. The winner of the selected name will receive a one-year family membership to CALM, Hewett said. Entry forms can be found on the CALM website at http://www.calmzoo.org.

Founded in 1983, CALM only accepts native animals that are injured, orphaned or unable to care for themselves in their native environment. CALM is located 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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