2 Baby Bears Were Left Behind By Mom In Bergen County. Here's Where They Are Now

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

But they didn't all stay together.

A boy and girl cub were left behind when the mama moved away, a wildlife rescuer told Patch.

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

Melissa Anahory, a staff member with the refuge, explained to Patch last week, "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."

In a social media post, the refuge explained that Mama Bear took off quickly.

"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.

"Thank you to NJ Fish and Wildlife Bear Team, local animal control, and police department for acting swiftly to rescue the remaining two and getting them to us quickly for care...We are happy to report all the cubs are doing well, eating well, and gaining weight."

The refuge now 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 wrote. "Join us on this year long journey as we nurture April and Oak back to health!"

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

Veronia O'Brien-Lim, who had spoken with the media about the bears denning under her home, said she was glad for the refuge.

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

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, there are risks, and bears have killed in the Garden State before. Read more about the sightings and history here: BLACK BEARS SPOTTED IN 3 BERGEN COUNTY TOWNS.