Bear cub rescued from Maple Ridge neighbourhood, taken to Critter Care<\/p>\n
Published 9:30 am Thursday, April 16, 2026<\/p>\n
An orphaned bear cub in Maple Ridge has been found safely, and will be raised at Critter Care Wildlife Society in Langley.<\/p>\n
The tiny, eight-pound female had been bawling for its mother. It was going onto people\u2019s porches, and was seen following a person down the road. Residents in the neighbourhood \u2013 at Lougheed Highway and 116th Avenue \u2013 were concerned, and posting about the situation in social media.<\/p>\n
Many said the sound of the cub\u2019s distressed cries were heartbreaking, and wondered why help was not coming.<\/p>\n
Kris Whitlock of the Maple Ridge Black Bear Society managed to locate the cub, and the Conservation Officers Service eventually approved its capture. That finally happened on Wednesday night, April 15.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe tiny bear cub had been alone crying since Monday in a green space behind the town homes,\u201d said Whitlock.<\/p>\n
The cub was found in hollow tree directly behind a house, and it immediately was desperate to follow Whitlock, and not be left alone. Those who contacted the COS were told that if it was alone \u2013 with no sign of its mother, for three days, then something could be done to rescue it.<\/p>\n
There was a back-and-forth between Conservation, whose biologist advised the cub should be left alone, and residents and Whitlock, who wanted to ensure it\u2019s safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were all very concerned about what would happen to this tiny hungry little bear,\u201d said Whitlock.<\/p>\n
Whitlock was eventually approved to kennel the bear and drove it directly to Critter Care.<\/p>\n
\u201cThankfully we got the bear to the help it needed,\u201d she said. \u201cHuge shoutout to some amazing neighbours, Alana and Liz, who raised their voices and decided to help a little bear.\u201d<\/p>\n