Orphaned 'Selfie Bear' Released in North Carolina

An orphaned bear cub, known as the 'selfie bear,' has been successfully released back into the wild in western North Carolina after being illegally pulled from a tree for photographs in April 2024. The incident drew widespread attention when a video of the event went viral, leading to public outrage and petitions for stronger wildlife protection laws, although no charges were filed against those involved. After being rescued and rehabilitated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the cub was fitted with a GPS tracking collar and released into a remote mountain area, where she is reportedly adapting well. Ashley Hobbs, a BearWise coordinator, noted that the cub is expected to follow her instincts and find a den for the winter. The commission emphasized the importance of not handling or feeding bear cubs and to report sightings to the NC Wildlife Helpline. The cub’s sibling, believed to have fled during the original incident, was never found.