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Traci Martin, Eckerd College, Biology Discipline
Ray Ball D.V.M., Eckerd College, Biology and Animal Studies Discipline
American black bear cubs (Ursus americanus) have been rehabilitated at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (HSSWP) since 2000. Cubs found alone and less than 30 pounds are considered orphans and are either live trapped or caught manually by bear biologists from the Florida Freshwater Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). Cubs with obvious health concerns such as wounds or that are grossly malnourished are evaluated by a wildlife veterinarian. Once medical issues, if present, are addressed, all cubs are raised in isolation from people with contact consisting of basic husbandry. Prior to release in November or December of the same year that they are rescued, each bear undergoes a complete examination under chemically induced anesthesia. Biological sampling, tattooing, and microchip placement occur during this evaluation.
The 2022 and 2023 cohorts of orphan bears included 19 cubs rescued from various locations within the state of Florida from March to June of their respective years. At their pre-release health evaluation, serum chemistry and hematology were evaluated on all 19 cubs. The blood samples were sent to a clinical pathology lab (Idexx). Using Reference Value Advisor through Excel, 90% confidence intervals were calculated from the untransformed standard data. These values can now be used in hematology and serum analysis for future black bear cubs to ensure their health. When compared to domestic models, glucose and creatine kinase values were abnormal due to the processing and collection methods, respectively.
For more information: tdmartin@eckerd.edu
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