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Family Rescues Baby Bear on Okanagan Lake
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Rescue of a Baby Bear
A family boating on Okanagan Lake between Vernon and Adventure Bay spotted a black bear cub struggling to keep its head above water. Christina Zamniuk described the cub’s distress: “All of a sudden, his little nose kept going under the water and he was blowing little bubbles,” — Christina Zamniuk — Christina Zamniuk, family member. The family pulled the cub, named “Boo Boo,” onto their boat, fed it cheese, and kept it on board for about an hour while it warmed up. When they reached shore, the cub hesitated to leave the boat. Zamniuk said: “He wanted to stay with us. So, we gave him a little shove and he plopped in the water, he swam to shore and we saw him run off into the woods.” — Christina Zamniuk — Christina Zamniuk, family member. After a gentle push, the cub swam to shore and disappeared into the woods.
Context of Bear Activity and Public Guidance
September is a peak month for bear activity in British Columbia, increasing the likelihood of human-wildlife encounters. WildSafeBC, an educational program that promotes safe coexistence with wildlife, notes that black bears are generally strong swimmers, making this rescue an unusual case. The organization also reminds that a mother bear is often nearby when a cub is seen, and she may become defensive if people approach.
Official Guidance from Conservation Authorities
The family contacted the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) and the B.C. SPCA for advice. COS officials instructed the family to bring the cub to shore and to avoid further contact, warning that human scent or habituation can jeopardize a bear’s ability to survive in the wild. The agency confirmed no additional reports of orphaned cubs in the area.
Public Reaction and Safety Reminder
Local wildlife officials used the incident to stress the importance of minimal interaction with wild animals. A spokesperson for WildSafeBC’s Central Okanagan branch urged the public to avoid handling wildlife and to call COS promptly if an animal appears to be in distress. The rescue highlights both the compassion of bystanders and the need for adherence to official wildlife protocols.