PRESS RELEASE – This week, deputies with the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division found a bear cub on the side of Highway 123.

When they arrived, the cub staggered across the highway to a creek, where deputies and a citizen were able to rescue the bear cub and secure him in the backseat of a patrol vehicle.

Unable to locate the cub’s mother, deputies contacted our local DNR Ranger who took custody of the bear and arranged medical treatment with a veterinarian.

Once the veterinarian was able to see the cub, they diagnosed him with dehydration. They provided fluids and cool air, and the cub quickly began to regain strength and energy.

They believe the cub, who was about 25 pounds and likely born this year, was chased by an unknown animal and gave out near the highway due to exhaustion.

We are extremely grateful to the concerned citizens, deputies, local DNR Rangers and veterinarian, who assisted in the rescue and continued care of this bear cub. The cub is now in the care of the Department of Natural Resources. It is unknown at this time if he will be released into the wild or to a local zoo.