ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A bear cub was successfully returned to its natural habitat after being rescued from an unfortunate situation where it and its sibling were disturbed by onlookers at an Asheville apartment complex.

According to the state’s Wildlife Resources Commission, the cub was released last month in a secluded mountain area within western North Carolina. A video released by the commission captured the moment the cub was let out of a transport carrier, where it eagerly ran toward the camera before quickly darting into the forest. To help the cub develop a natural fear of humans, the staff member who released it used a noise-maker.

In April, officials responded to numerous reports of individuals bothering the bear cubs. The situation escalated when one of the cubs bit a person in the vicinity, leading to the escape of both cubs. Footage shared online by the commission depicted people climbing the tree to retrieve the cubs, one person even posing for a photo with one of the bears. In a chaotic moment, one cub screeched and was dropped, scrambling toward a nearby fence.

One of the cubs was later discovered in a retention pond, soaked and trembling, prompting a quick response from the staff. Ashley Hobbs, who oversees the BearWise program — an initiative designed to promote coexistence with black bears — captured the distressed cub, noting it appeared “lethargic and frightened” and had an injured paw. While this cub was taken to a rehabilitation center, the whereabouts of the second cub remained unknown.

The incident drew attention and led to a review by the commission, yet no legal actions were taken against those involved.

Once the rescued cub was deemed healthy enough to survive independently, wildlife officials fitted it with a tracking collar, identification tags, and identifying marks prior to its release. According to the data collected from the collar, the cub has been adapting well to its surroundings in the wild, as reported by Hobbs.

Hobbs expressed optimism regarding the cub’s future, stating, “As with many rehabilitated black bear cubs, this one is expected to harness its natural instincts this winter and find a suitable den.” She remarked on the resilience of bear cubs, indicating that it appears this cub will also thrive in its environment.

Wildlife biologists warn that when bear cubs are spotted alone, it often means their mothers are nearby foraging for food. They advise against attempts to catch a cub, as it could lead to the cub being separated from its mother or subjected to harm.