The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced a successful experimental fall release of five orphaned black bear cubs. - All five bears were rehabilitated, GPS-collared, and released in November 2025 in northern California.
- They successfully found dens, hibernated through winter, and reemerged healthy in spring 2026. - The fall release strategy reduces time in captivity and human habituation, and has been successful in other states.
- The bears originated from Nevada, El Dorado, and Calaveras counties. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of wildlife rehabilitation and collaborative conservation efforts in California.