YREKA – On March 9, 2019, a concerned citizen called California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) wardens to the area of Long Gulch on Highway 96 in Yreka where two small bear cubs were found without their mother. CDFW officers began searching the area for the sow of the two small cubs but were unable to locate her. The wardens arranged to transport the cubs to CDFW’s Wildlife Investigations Laboratory in Sacramento County where the cubs were evaluated by CDFW wildlife veterinarians. Once given a clean bill of health, they were transferred to the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, a wildlife rehabilitation facility permitted to care for bears.

CDFW officers believe one or more persons may be responsible for unlawfully separating the young bears from their mother. Officers are continuing their investigation, including processing evidence left at the scene.

CDFW asks that anyone with information contact Warden Dan Beck via the statewide tip hotline, CalTIP, at (888) 334-2258. Tips can also be sent via text to CALTIP, followed by a space and the message to tip411 (847411). CalTIP is a confidential secret witness program that encourages the public to provide CDFW with factual information leading to the arrest and conviction of poachers and polluters.

“CDFW wardens protect California’s natural resources and investigate unlawful acts against fish and wildlife,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “It’s my hope, with tips and evidence, they will find out how these cubs became orphaned and, if unlawful, arrest those responsible.”