A family from British Columbia had an unusual encounter while boating on Okanagan Lake last weekend when they noticed a baby bear cub struggling in the water. The Zamniuk family, initially not alarmed by the situation, grew concerned as the cub began to struggle to stay afloat.
Christina Zamniuk, a member of the family, described how the cub’s nose kept dipping underwater, causing them to take action. They managed to bring the cub, whom they named “Boo Boo,” onto their boat, where it appeared cold and shivery from the lake water. To help warm the cub up, the Zamniuks fed it some cheese under the sun.
Upon spotting the distressed cub, the family promptly contacted the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) and the B.C. SPCA for assistance. They were advised to take the cub to shore without further interaction. Despite encountering challenges getting the cub to leave the boat, the family nudged it towards the shore, where it eventually swam off into the woods.
Despite providing their location to the COS, the family did not receive immediate support or information on the cub’s fate. Authorities emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary contact with wildlife to ensure the animals can survive independently in their natural habitat.
The COS confirmed the incident and noted no additional reports of orphaned bear cubs in the area. WildSafeBC commended the family for their actions, emphasizing the need to maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially during active bear seasons. The organization reminded the public to contact the COS if they encounter distressed animals, reinforcing the importance of wildlife conservation and safety.