A black bear cub rescued in New York was released into the wild after being illegally kept and fed dog food.

A black bear cub in Fulton County, New York, was rescued by the DEC after being illegally kept in a dog crate and fed dog food by a resident who found her in June. Officials responded to reports, located the cub in a garage, and seized her after the individual confessed. The cub was taken to a wildlife center for care and rehabilitation, gained weight, and was released into the Adirondack wilderness earlier this week. DEC emphasized timely release to prevent habituation and ensure survival. The public is urged to report similar cases via 1-844-332-3267.