Never a dull moment at Woodlands even in the dead of winter!

A surprising contest of newborn bear cubs vs. machine yielded amazing results! Weighing in at a total of 3.5 pounds three infant cubs (just a few days old!), were lifted from their brush pile den by a 44,000 pound hydraulic excavator and unceremoniously dumped atop a 35 foot high pile of debris.


As they tumbled to the ground, the machine operator noticed “something” and got out to investigate. The work was immediately stopped and the cubs were placed near the now destroyed den, in hopes that their mother would return. By dusk the cubs cold and wet, and there was no sign that their mom had returned. The tiny cubs were then taken in and warmed up by the concerned landowner and their journey to Woodlands began. Cubs: 3 – Machine: 0!!

A follow up by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Bear Team found no evidence that the mother ever returned.

Incredibly, the infant cubs had suffered only minor scrapes and abrasions. Too young to regulate their own body temperature the cubs were placed in a large incubator with a large stuffed bear as a “surrogate mom”.



Initially, the cubs received formula every 4 hours with the help of our trained volunteers and staff. As they progressed the feeding times decreased while the amount of formula increased.

Now, after 6 weeks, the cub’s eyes are open and they are beginning to stand and play with each other. Now, they weigh between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds each and are a very healthy bunch!




Field work is being conducted by the Bear Team to find a mother bear with a small litter to which these cubs can be fostered. Fostering infant cubs is often successful and is the best hope these cubs have for a second chance in the wild.

We plan to have these three snuggled up to a new mom early in March. In the meantime we are awestruck and honored to have the opportunity to see these perfect creatures grow into their magnificent selves. To have new born cubs as well yearlings at Woodlands at the same time is a unique and wonderful learning experience.