Black bear cub rescued from Okanagan Lake in British Columbia

A family boating on Okanagan Lake in British Columbia rescued a black bear cub that appeared to be struggling in the water. The family observed the cub blowing bubbles and losing its ability to paddle before pulling the shivering animal onto their boat.

Following advice from the B.C. SPCA and the provincial Conservation Officer Service, the family kept contact with the animal to a minimum and monitored it until it reached the shore. The cub eventually swam into the woods. WildSafeBC noted that while black bears are typically proficient swimmers, this instance of a cub requiring human intervention was rare. The organization also reminded the public that bears are particularly active in September and cautioned that if a cub is spotted, its mother is likely nearby.