Pleasant Valley Bear Cub Struck by Car Now Recovering Thanks to Local Wildlife Heroes

A young bear cub in Pleasant Valley, New York, is now on the mend after being struck by a vehicle—thanks to the swift and compassionate efforts of a dedicated local wildlife rescue team.

Cub Found Injured in Pleasant Valley

Last week, the Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center (FFF Wildlife Center) shared a touching story on social media detailing the rescue of the cub. According to the organization’s Facebook post, two of their volunteers, Joe and Michelle, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a cub injured in the road. When they arrived in Dutchess County, they found the small bear lying motionless in the street, unable to move.

Without hesitation, the volunteers safely secured the cub into a dog crate—careful not to aggravate its injuries—and transported it to the FFF Wildlife Center located in Prattsville, NY for emergency care.

Injuries Assessed by Wildlife Veterinarian

Upon arrival, the cub was examined by Dr. Laura Jaworski, who determined that the animal had suffered head trauma, though thankfully there were no skull fractures. The cub was also found to be in poor nutritional condition, suffering from minor trauma to the mouth, a urinary/preputial infection, and was infested with ticks—an uncomfortable condition the team quickly began addressing.

Removing the ticks was described by the team as “not a job for the squeamish,” but a necessary step toward recovery.

Rocky Start, Promising Progress

The first few days were uncertain. Staff at the center reported that the cub’s condition was rocky initially. However, with the help of medication and supportive care, the cub began to show signs of improvement.

Now, the bear cub is being monitored in an outdoor enclosure, where caregivers can safely observe his behavior and physical recovery. If all continues to go well, the cub will eventually be moved to an enclosure housing other orphaned bears also under the center’s care—an important step in social rehabilitation and preparation for potential release back into the wild.

About Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center

The Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in upstate New York. Their mission is to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife from across the state. Headed by a multi-licensed rehabilitator, FFF has been a go-to resource for wildlife emergencies for years.

The organization handles a wide range of animals—from birds and deer to raccoons, foxes, and of course, bears. Their work is entirely dependent on public support, donations, and the efforts of tireless volunteers like Joe and Michelle.

For those who come across injured wildlife or want to get involved, FFF can be contacted at:

(518) 989-6534
(518) 965-1864

Donations are always welcome and directly support the rescue and rehabilitation of animals like the Pleasant Valley bear cub. To contribute or learn more about their ongoing work, visit FFFwildlifecenter.org.

A Second Chance at Life

Thanks to a community that cares and an organization devoted to saving lives, one young bear is getting a second chance. While the road to recovery is far from over, the cub’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when people come together for the good of the wild creatures that share our region.

Stay tuned to the Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center’s Facebook page for updates on the cub’s condition and future release plans.