Bear Cub Returned to Wild After Dog Cage Capture in Upstate, New York

Upstate, NY Bear Lured into Dog Cage, Kept as Pet

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation recently shared details of an investigation that occurred back in June of 2025.

According to the DEC they "received multiple reports" of an individual in Fulton County "unlawfully keeping possession of a black bear cub in their residence."

DEC Officers followed up on the lead and came across a bear cub being kept in a dog crate. The bear cup was also being fed dog food.

After DEC officers arrived, the individual in the home "confessed, explaining that he found the cub nearby and lured her into the crate." The DEC then took the young female cub to Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center in Greene County.

Bear Cub Released Back into Wild Near Greene County, New York

Since the June rescue, the bear cub has received care and rehabilitation at the Friends of Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center, and also has doubled in size.

The wildlife organization shared this week that they released the cub "back into the Adirondack wilderness where she belongs."

A team made up several DEC and Wildlife staff assisted in the release. Those individuals are DEC Bureau of Wildlife staff, led by Brittany Delor, and Conservation Officer Shane Manns.

Can You Own a Bear as a Pet in New York State?

We get it, bears are cute especially those adorable little bear cubs. However, keeping them as pets is a terrible idea.

It's also illegal. The DEC explains "Keeping wildlife in captivity is illegal and has lasting, harmful effects to the animal."

That that if you know of any similar situations to the one mentioned above you are urged to contact the DEC at 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).

While we're on the topic of animals that are illegal to keep as pets, here's a list of which animals you should not be keeping in your home: