2 Bear Cubs Were Abandoned By Mom In Bergen County. They Have New Names, Homes

OAKLAND, NJ — After the Lim family of Oakland spent weeks documenting a mama and four baby bears "denning" under their house in April, the bears suddenly left.

But they didn't all stay together.

The Oakland family became a media sensation after telling news organizations that the furry party of five had taken up residence under their house for the first half of last month.

The mama suddenly left around April 16. But a boy and girl cub were left behind, a wildlife rescuer told Patch.

Woodlands Wildlife Refuge in Hunterdon County took the bears in on April 17 and gave them names: April, a 5.5-lb. girl, and Oak, a 4.8-lb. boy.

Melissa Anahory, a staff member with the refuge, told Patch, "The other two [cubs] kept up with mom when she took off. These two were left behind and she did not return for them for over 24 hours."

Once it was clear the Mama Bear wasn't coming back, the Refuge took them.

In a social media post, the refuge further explained why the mom may not have wanted to return.

"In these types of situations, especially in a busy area, unless the area is left undisturbed, the mother bear may not feel it is safe to return," the post said. "The orphaned cubs required critical care by our highly trained staff while we stabilized them."

They added, "We are happy to report all the cubs are doing well, eating well, and gaining weight."

The refuge has a GoFundMe to continue caring for the animals, saying the cost will be $100 per week per bear over the next year.

"Black bears are released at their natural age of independence and these babies will be with us in rehabilitation until Spring 2027," they noted.

The refuge has cared for more than 120 black bears since 1995, they said. You can donate here.

Veronia O'Brien-Lim, who had spoken with the media about the bears denning under her home, posted a followup on social media urging people to contribute.

"While I am very sad to hear that their mom left them behind," she wrote, "I am so relieved to know that they are in good hands."

Mayors of several Bergen County towns have reported black bear sightings over the last two weeks. While experts say that bears usually leave humans and pets alone, bears have killed in the Garden State.

Read more about the recent sightings and bear attacks here: Black Bears Spotted In 3 Bergen County Towns