For many, hiking is a peaceful retreat into nature, whether enjoyed solo or with friends. Occasionally, hikers may encounter wildlife, but it’s rare to experience an extraordinary moment like what one hiker did.
Incredible Encounter
While hiking the foothills of the Olympic Mountains in western Washington, Jonathan Evison noticed something that piqued his curiosity: an unusual, mud-covered ball of black fur hiding at the base of a tree. As he approached, a shocking realization hit him — it was a bear cub!
Living in the area and frequently hiking, Jonathan had encountered bears before but had never seen a cub. Aware that the mother was likely nearby, he chose to continue on his hike, hoping they would reunite soon.
Familiar Face
The next morning, while hiking the same trail, Jonathan found the spot where he encountered the cub empty and assumed it had been reunited with its mother. However, he soon heard distress calls from the same bear, trapped under a fallen limb just off the trail. Knowing he had to act, he decided to help.
“I knew I had to help the little fella,” Jonathan told The Dodo.
After carefully removing the branch, he freed the little cub, which was overjoyed to be saved and decided to follow Jonathan all the way home. “Once I freed him, he basically attached himself to me, so I walked a mile back to the cabin with the cub either right on my heels or clinging to my ankle,” he recounted.
Recognizing that adopting a bear wasn’t feasible, Jonathan reached out to the West Sound Wildlife Shelter for help.
Help Is On The Way
The staff advised Jonathan to bring the cub to them for proper care. Upon arrival, they provided the cub with food, water, and a thorough health checkup.
Once determined to be healthy, the cub was transferred to PAWS Animal Welfare Society, where it would receive care alongside another orphaned cub.
Both cubs will stay at the facility until a team of experts decides the best course of action for their future, ensuring they eventually lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
