A family from British Columbia had a remarkable encounter while boating on Okanagan Lake last weekend when they noticed a baby bear cub struggling in the water. Acting swiftly, the Zamniuk family rescued the cub, who they affectionately named “Boo Boo,” as it was battling to stay afloat.
Christina Zamniuk described the cub’s distress, mentioning how it appeared to be struggling to swim and was visibly shivering from the cold water. The family provided the cub with some cheese to help it warm up under the sun after bringing it on board.
After the rescue, the family promptly contacted the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) and the B.C. SPCA for guidance. Despite facing challenges in getting assistance, they were instructed to bring the cub ashore without unnecessary interaction.
Upon reaching shore, the cub hesitated to leave the safety of the boat, showing a desire to stay with the family. Eventually, with a gentle nudge from the Zamniuks, the cub swam to shore and disappeared into the woods.
Although the COS did not respond to the scene or provide clear information on the cub’s future, it was emphasized that human interaction with wildlife, especially orphaned cubs, should be minimized to ensure their survival in the wild.
In an update, the COS confirmed the incident and stated that there have been no further reports of the cub in the area. WildSafeBC commended the family for their actions, highlighting the positive outcome for both the cub and the rescuers.
As a reminder to the public, the Central Okanagan branch urged caution around wildlife, especially during September, a peak activity period for bears. Encounters with bear cubs should be avoided, as their mothers are likely nearby and may act defensively to protect their young.
WildSafeBC stressed the importance of contacting the COS promptly in case of wildlife distress, emphasizing that human intervention should be limited to preserve the animal’s natural instincts and chances of survival.
