Write a commentWendi Czirr has been caring for injured, orphaned, and displaced wildlife for six years.
As Founder and Executive Director of Whispering Woods Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Czirr knows how difficult it can be to properly rehabilitate wildlife. The non-profit cares for everything from raccoons and skunks to deer fawns. Czirr personally holds New York State rehabilitation licenses for Rabies Vector Species (RVS), as well as white-tailed deer fawns.
The center, which is located in Mexico, NY, is currently expanding by building a large-scale black bear cub enclosure for rehabilitation. New York’s existing capacity for orphaned bear cubs is limited to a single center located over three hours away near Port Jervis. “Our goal is to help change that by creating a safe, professional space where bear cubs can grow, heal, and eventually be returned to the wild where they belong,” Czirr told iHeart Oswego.
To rehabilitate black bears, Czirr notes, requires more than just the specialized enclosures: nursery space and secure fencing designed specifically for bears are also necessary. “This is not a zoo and not public access,” she asserted, “but true rehabilitation to minimize human imprinting as much as possible.”
The non-profit is working with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) on a cohesive plan that aligns with best practices for rehabilitating black bears.
According to Instructor of Environmental Studies and Wildlife Ecology Brad Gibson of Southern New Hampshire University, approximately 1,000 bears reside in Central and Western NY (10-15% of NY’s total bear population). “With the rising number of Black Bears throughout the state, it’s logical to assume the number of orphans will increase,” Gibson told iHeart Oswego. “Black bear cubs generally become orphaned due to human activities such as vehicle collisions, and my biggest concern in Central NY—illegal hunting.”
Gibson noted that black bear rehab is generally quite successful, particularly when the facility is able to care for young bears over the winter. Bears must be old enough and healthy enough to survive their winter slowdown period, known as torpor.
Czirr told iHeart Oswego that overwintering bears is one of Whispering Woods’ goals: “Our intention is to work toward overwintering capability if and when DEC approves it, but those determinations will be made by DEC based on the needs of the cubs, available facilities, and broader population considerations.”
According to Gibson, the most important part of the rehab of a black bear cub is actually release. “If a young bear is let go in an area with a high population density of adult bears, it will be difficult for it to establish a territory and it may be driven away and thus exposed to human caused dangers such as vehicle strikes or poachers.”
Because rehabilitation is overseen by the NYS DEC, Whispering Woods will be releasing bears based on direction from the state to prevent over-crowding and ensure each bear has the best chance of success once re-released into the wild.
This project is fueled by community support and a belief that New York's wildlife deserves better options when resources are stretched thin.
In addition to supporting this large-scale project, Whispering Woods is also preparing for spring and the upcoming baby season. The non-profit provides species-specific formulas, food, vet care, and vaccines to its residents.
For those interested in supporting this fantastic project or simply following along, you can find the latest news and updates from Whispering Woods on their Facebook page or their website, whisperingwoodswildlife.com. Purchase tickets to their current fundraiser, a 50/50 raffle that will be drawn on February 7, on their fundraising site here.
