When people envision a bear, they typically think of a strong, majestic creature with a thick coat of fur. However, when rescuers discovered a bear named Eve, she was nothing like that image. Eve, a young black bear, was found completely hairless, her skin covered in pink patches, sores, and scabs. Her condition was so severe that her rescuers weren’t even sure if she was a bear. This story of Eve’s journey from the brink of death to a safe, comfortable home is a testament to the power of care, compassion, and second chances.
Bald Black Bear Rescued from Dumpster, Fully Transformed One Year Later
The Discovery of Eve
Eve was rescued in Placer County, California, on Christmas Eve in 2017 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Her condition was alarming. Severe mange had ravaged her body, leaving her completely furless and malnourished. Her growth was stunted, likely due to prolonged periods of starvation and malnutrition. Eve’s future seemed grim as her condition worsened, but her rescuers saw potential in her recovery. They named her Eve, symbolizing the day she was found, and took her to The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center to begin what would be a long and challenging road to rehabilitation.
Mange, a skin disease caused by mites, had left Eve’s skin inflamed and raw. In addition to the mange, lice infested her weakened body. Her poor health posed a significant challenge for the wildlife center, and her journey to recovery required intensive care.
Treatment and Early Recovery
At The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center, Eve received immediate care. The staff started her on a regimen of medicated baths to address the mange and ease her skin conditions. Regular treatments became a crucial part of her daily routine. These baths, paired with other medical interventions, aimed to combat the infection and gradually restore her fur. Progress was slow, and for months, Eve remained mostly hairless, with only small patches of fur beginning to grow back by April 2018.
Though her physical improvement was limited, Eve’s spirit was unbroken. She remained playful and curious, especially during her time in the pools, a clear indication that her mental state was improving. But despite these positive signs, her caretakers knew the road ahead was still long. The staff was cautiously optimistic, but they realized that Eve might never fully regain the coat she would need to survive in the wild. Her skin infections lingered, and the recovery of her fur was not as robust as they had hoped.
Treatment and Early Recovery
Challenges and a New Future
By July 2018, Eve’s mange was mostly under control, but her skin infections persisted. She still required regular medical attention, and the staff at the wildlife center faced the difficult decision about her future. Initially, there was hope that Eve could one day be released back into the wild, but her lack of fur made her too vulnerable to the elements. The timing also coincided with devastating wildfires in California, which further complicated her potential release.
The risks were simply too high, and the wildlife center ultimately decided that Eve could not be safely released. Her future now lay in captivity, but her story did not end in sadness. The wildlife center was determined to provide Eve with a safe and fulfilling life, one that would allow her to thrive even if it wasn’t in the wild. A new home was found for her at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas. This expansive sanctuary was specifically designed to house animals like Eve, offering a natural and safe environment where she could live out her days in peace.
Challenges and a New Future
A New Life for Eve
Eve’s journey, from a hairless, vulnerable cub to a beloved resident at Black Beauty Ranch, was nothing short of miraculous. The wildlife center, along with generous donors, raised the necessary funds to ensure Eve’s transfer to her new home. Caring for Eve was a considerable commitment—the cost of her care amounted to nearly $500 per week—but her caretakers were determined to give her the best life possible.
A New Life for Eve
In Texas, Eve found safety, care, and love. Though she would never return to the wild, she had been given a second chance at life in an environment designed to meet her needs. The “Bare Bear,” as she was affectionately called, became a symbol of resilience and hope. Thanks to the dedication of her rescuers and the support of many kind-hearted individuals, Eve will live out her days in comfort.
The efforts of organizations like The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center, The Humane Society, and Black Beauty Ranch are essential for animals like Eve. They offer not just a lifeline but also a chance for animals to live happily, even after enduring unimaginable hardship. Eve’s story is one of transformation, survival, and the incredible impact that compassion can have on even the most desperate cases. We are forever grateful to those who gave this beautiful creature a new life and the opportunity to be cherished for years to come.
