New York, United States - October 01, 2025 On the afternoon of October 1, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced the release of a young, rehabilitated black bear back into the wild. The decision raised questions from the public about whether the release was appropriate. Officials confirmed the cub had gained enough body weight during rehabilitation to survive the winter and was in good overall health, making her eligible for release. Black bears are highly intelligent and adaptable, and orphaned cubs can generally thrive on their own if they reach a sufficient weight. The Department emphasized that keeping cubs in rehabilitation longer than necessary can cause them to become habituated to humans. “It is important to release cubs as soon as they can survive on their own,” they stated, ensuring the bear had the best chance for long-term survival in the wild. The successful release highlights the balance between rehabilitation efforts and preparing wildlife for independent life, supporting both animal welfare and natural ecosystem dynamics.