Pictured are three of five bear cubs currently being raised by Wild Instincts. Black bears have their young in January while in their winter sleep. They weigh about a pound at birth. Generally, by mid-July they should weigh approximately 30 to 35 pounds.

Studies have shown cubs at this size can survive without their moms if need be, even though they would den up with their mom their first winter.

Black bear breeding season in Wisconsin peaks around July 4. They have delayed implantation, so the fertilized egg will not start developing until they are denned up for the winter.

Bears reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. Females breed every other year, giving birth to usually two to four cubs, although litters of five have been seen.
They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.

Wild Instincts may be reached for injured and orphaned wildlife emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (715) 362-WILD (9453).