Roger and Judy Stearns at Black Bear Rescue Manitoba operate with a simple motto: "No cub gets turned away." As one of North America’s most successful black bear rehabilitation programs, the team works tirelessly from rescue to release, giving orphaned cubs a second chance in the wild while educating the public on safe and peaceful coexistence with bears and other wildlife.
Black bears are a symbol of Canada’s wild spaces—powerful, resilient, and awe-inspiring. Adult males can weigh up to 220 kilograms, while females reach up to 135 kilograms. Once roaming freely across nearly all of North America’s forests, black bears now face increasing threats to their survival.
Despite their ability to live for over 20 years, many black bears don’t reach old age. Human activities—hunting, vehicle collisions, and the killing of so-called “nuisance” bears—pose serious risks. Natural dangers, such as predators and food scarcity, also take their toll, especially on vulnerable cubs. With your support, we can help protect black bears and ensure they continue to thrive in the wild.