A gunshot wound left one black bear in Minnesota one leg short, but wildlife specialists have hope that the animal will still live a good life. Thanks to surgery and months of rehabilitation, the three-legged bear (affectionately named “Stubby”) has now been released back into the wild.
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Wild and Free recently shared the good news on Facebook, saying: “After months of care, building up his strength, and surprising us all, our three-legged bear [returned to] the wild last week. What started as uncertainty turned into something incredible—he not only adapted, but thrived, even climbing trees like a pro (something we weren’t sure would ever be possible for him).”
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The non-profit says that watching the bear beat the odds is something staff won’t forget.
See photos of Stubby the three-legged bear here.
Watch footage of the release here.
Header stock image by Stan Tekiela Author / Naturalist / Wildlife Photographer/Getty Images
