Jefferson County, CO, USA - November 18, 2024 A heartwarming rescue mission concluded this week with the successful release of three orphaned bear cubs back into the wild in Jefferson County, Colorado. In late June, a homeowner discovered a small cub, likely orphaned, wandering on her property and alerted her local Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officer. Recognizing the cub's plight, the officer set a live trap, baited with a special mix of peanut butter, honey, caramel, and eggs. The trap worked, and the cub was taken to a rehabilitation facility in Del Norte, where staff worked diligently to keep the cub wild and avoid human interaction. On November 18, the moment of freedom arrived. The cub, along with two other rehabbed bears, was released into secluded bear habitat in JeffCo, just in time for the cub to prepare for hibernation. "It's a full-circle moment," said CPW officials, thanking the officers, rehabbers, and the concerned landowner for making this successful release possible.