Tehya and her sister Kiona were orphaned as cubs. Mama Bear was known for going into neighborhoods and digging in the trash, which is dangerous for humans and bears. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission attempted to relocate the bear family several times, but Mama Bear kept returning to residential areas, was deemed a “nuisance bear” and humanely euthanized.
The cubs learned this dumpster diving behavior and were deemed non-releasable. Tehya & Kiona, now about 18 years old, have been at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary ever since!
The Florida Black Bear is the only species of bear found in the state. There is an estimated population of about 4,000 in the wild. One thing to always remember: a FED bear is a DEAD bear! Once a bear realizes that humans can be a food source, they are considered a nuisance animal and have to be removed or euthanized.
