Federal officials say a lone polar bear cub spotted last month by Hilcorp staff at Prudhoe Bay has been removed from the wild and taken to the Alaska Zoo, because the bear was 'exhibiting comfort around people.'
A lone male polar bear cub spotted Nov. 24, 2022 near Prudhoe Bay oil drilling facilities by Hilcorp staff has been taken to the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage for care.
“The team, in consultation with the Alaska Zoo veterinarian, made the difficult and rare decision that the approximately 10 to 11-month-old male bear should be removed from the wild population,” officials wrote. “This decision was made because the bear was exhibiting comfort around people, raising concerns for potential human-bear conflicts.”
“Our primary concern is for the wellbeing of the cub,” said Alaska Zoo Executive Director Patrick Lampi. “It had been observed eating a fox, lacerations on its upper lip are likely from that activity. With rabies in fox prevalent in the Prudhoe Bay area, we have special extended quarantine procedures in place for this cub.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Rheumatologist Dr. Dave Templin retires after over 50 years of serving the Alaska Native communityRheumatologist Dr. Dave Templin’s spent more than half his life in health care helping people with arthritis, in particular the Alaska Native community.
Read more »
Acting Alaska health commissioner Hedberg is pick for permanent bossGov. Mike Dunleavy has named the Alaska Department of Health’s interim leader as the agency’s new permanent commissioner. Heidi Hedberg has served in a variety of roles in the state’s division of public health. (From the AlaskaBeacon)
Read more »
Commerce Secretary approves new disasters for Alaska salmon and crab fisheriesThe U.S. Secretary of Commerce has approved six fishery disaster designations for the state of Alaska, including the Yukon-Kuskokwim and Chignik salmon fisheries for last year.
Read more »
Oath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes testifies in Alaska Rep. Eastman’s defenseOath Keeper founder Stewart Rhodes, who is awaiting sentencing for seditious conspiracy, was a witness for the defense Monday at a civil trial challenging whether Rep. David Eastman can serve in in the Alaska Legislature.
Read more »
Acting Alaska health commissioner Hedberg is pick for permanent bossGov. Mike Dunleavy has named Heidi Hedberg as the new, permanent commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health. (via AlaskaBeacon)
Read more »
Alaska settles lawsuit with opioid companies for millionsAccording to a news release from the Department of Law, the state settled with Wal-Mart, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Allergen for $8.5, $8.2 and $4.8 million, respectively, for their part in fueling the current opioid crisis.
Read more »