Orphaned Cubs Find Home With "Bear Whisperer"
LYME, N.H. (CBS) - As his newest tenants huddle in the rafters, Ben Kilham is reminded of where his allegiance lies.
"I'm always on the bear's side and the bear just does what it does naturally," Ben Kilham, biologist and bear specialist says. Kilham, who is set to earn is PhD in bear social behavior in December, is often called the "Bear Whisperer."
Last spring and summer, four cubs and their mother started visiting the neighborhoods of Jackson. Quickly dubbed "The Jackson Five," the bears felt right at home with some residents even feeding them, however some considered the bears' home visits a nuisance. A few weeks ago a hunter legally shot the mother leaving the cubs orphaned.
Kilham calls this, "an unfortunate situation."
So state wildlife officials did what they have done 130 times the last quarter century. They brought the 40 pound orphans to Kilham, knowing the Bear Whisperer would be able to take proper care of them.
Caring for these guys for the next several months won't exactly be inexpensive. In fact, Ben estimates it will cost about $1,500 per bear. A "Go Fund Me" page has been set up with the goal of releasing the cubs back into the wild in May or June to coincide with the time the mama bears naturally send their cubs packing.
"They make friends rapidly with wild yearlings and they'll be released in a remote area," says Kilham.
That should minimize the chance of these cubs winding up in backyards again. But Ben wishes humans would get smarter in their dealings with bears.
"You know I just hope ultimately a change takes place," says Kilham.
For now it's almost time for a winter nap. Ben Kilham watches over the bears on his 100 acre rehab preserve in Lyme.
