Cub Camp

Judy and Roger Stearns, ordinary people with a little bit of land and a lot of heart, run Black Bear Rescue Manitoba. Every spring they welcome orphaned black bear cubs to their 10 acre facility hand-built by Roger. Some cubs are so young they are blind and helpless, all of them arrive deeply traumatized and alone. But with the round-the-clock care provided by the Stearns, they gradually recover and thrive, so that in the fall, a group of healthy and confident cubs are ready to return to the Canadian wilderness, having grown up under the safe wing of Cub Camp. 

Cub Camp offers a glimpse into one of NorthAmerica's most successful black bear rehabilitation programs, following the cubs from rescue to release. The story focuses on the Stearns, who took it upon themselves to provide a haven for young bears with nowhere else to go. As the snow melts, Judy and Roger stay on 24-hour standby, waiting for ManitobaConservation’s call to action. When the cubs arrive, the Stearns' hands are full. Whether abandoned or orphaned, the cubs are traumatized and in need of care. They are bottle-fed and sheltered in an indoor enclosure where they can safely play.

 By the time the bears are moved outdoors and human contact is limited, they’ve developed distinct personalities. Some are shy and cautious, while others are playful troublemakers. Under the Stearns' watchful eye, monitored through a network of cameras, the bears spend hours wrestling, eating, swimming in the enclosure pool, and climbing the oak trees in their large compound. These activities build the strength and critical skills needed for independence. Before winter, each bear is outfitted with a radio collar and released into the wild – ready for a second chance at survival. Through their tireless efforts, the Stearns ensures every cub leaves Cub Camp stronger, healthier, and prepared for the challenges of life in the wilderness.