Near Lillooet, BC, a story unfolded that kept all of us at Northern Lights Wildlife Society in suspense during the second week of May. It began with a distressing call from a Conservation Officer about twin black bear cubs left orphaned after their mother was tragically shot by a tree planter. The news struck a chord within our team, and immediate plans were made to rescue these vulnerable cubs from an uncertain fate.

The rescue attempt, however, was anything but straightforward. The cubs were in rugged terrain, making access extraordinarily difficult. For three agonizing days, questions loomed large—were the cubs still alive? Could we reach them in time?

Fueled by determination and hope, our rescue volunteers pressed on, navigating the challenging landscape, while carrying the necessary gear. Their perseverance paid off when, against all odds, they found the cubs alive, high up in a tree for safety. It was a moment of profound relief and joy, but our mission was far from over. We quickly set traps, eager to bring the cubs to safety.

Yet, the wilderness teaches patience—while one cub, driven perhaps by curiosity or hunger, ventured into a trap, its sibling remained wary and refused to follow. As daylight faded our team faced the difficult decision to withdraw. Our hearts were heavy with the thought of leaving the hesitant cub behind, but a turn of fate brought a wave of relief. Just as our rescuers were packing to leave, the second cub, perhaps sensing that he was about to lose his brother, bravely entered the trap.

Both cubs were finally safe and though the trip back was not easy, carrying two cubs, it was a trip filled with joy. This rescue story is a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the relentless spirit of those who dedicate their lives to animal welfare. It's these moments that underscore the importance of our work and the impact of your support.

As we continue to care for Atlas and Zeus, as the twins have been affectionately named, we are reminded of the crucial role that each of you plays in this journey. Your support enables not just the rescue and rehabilitation of animals in distress but also fuels our ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our mission, and for helping us ensure that stories like that of Atlas and Zeus have a hopeful ending. Together, we are making a difference—one rescue at a time.

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