Liberty

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Meet Liberty, Our Black Bear

Liberty holds a special place in the hearts of Lions Tigers & Bears'"' (LTB), and that's why her habitat is known as "Liberty's Station." She was the very first black bear to find a home at LTB, and her story is a testament to the power of rescue and compassion.

Much like Meatball, Liberty's journey to LTB began in the wild. As a cub, she was separated from her mother and learned to fend for herself in the campgrounds near Mt. Baldy, California.
Yearling bears like Liberty naturally leave their mothers to establish their own territories. Unfortunately, when these young bears venture into campgrounds where campers are not practicing bear safety, their chances of survival become bleak.

In a rare and heartwarming act of compassion, an officer with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife couldn't bear to witness yet another yearling bear facing euthanasia. Instead, he took the extraordinary step of reaching out to LTB.

On the 4th of July in 2009, Liberty made her way to LTB, accompanied by the very agent who had saved her. This brave officer's children had a special role in this rescue-they gave her the name "Liberty."
Liberty's story not only symbolizes freedom and hope but also serves as a reminder of the incredible difference that can be made through acts of kindness and compassion towards wildlife in need.

Watch Liberty's Incredible Story

Milestones

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Separated from Her Mother (2008) – As a young cub, Liberty was separated from her mother and began fending for herself in the campgrounds near Mt. Baldy, California, scavenging for food left by campers.

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Rescue Intervention (Summer 2009) – Facing the grim fate of euthanasia, Liberty was saved by a compassionate California Department of Fish and Wildlife officer, who reached out to Lions Tigers & Bears for help.

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Arrived at Lions Tigers & Bears (July 4, 2009) – On Independence Day, Liberty was transported to her new home at LTB, where she became the very first black bear to be rescued by the sanctuary. The officer’s children named her “Liberty” in honor of her newfound freedom.

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Living Her Best Life (Present Day) – Now thriving in her habitat, aptly named "Liberty’s Station," she enjoys the companionship of other rescued bears, a well-balanced diet, and the care and safety she deserves.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Punkin

Meet Punkin, Our Mountain Lion Punkin and his partner Melanie lived at a private facility in Ohio that bred tiger cubs and other exotic animals. The facility was shut down when the state enacted SB 310 - the Ohio Dangerous Wild Animals Act in 2014. Punkin was rescued in 2015, along with his partner Melanie, and […]

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Suri

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved lioness, Suri. A cherished resident of Lions Tigers & Bears for over 18 years, Suri was rescued as a cub in 2007, along with her siblings, Jillian and Bakari, from an unaccredited facility in Louisiana that was shut down due to safety and animal care […]

Learn more Sponsor Suri

Sugar Bear

Meet Sugar Bear, Our Black Bear Sugar Bear's story is one of resilience and compassion. Originally bred to be sold to a canned hunt ranch, or what is sometimes called a "game park," his fate took an unexpected turn. An unaccredited sanctuary owner, who was not affiliated with the canned-hunt ranch, discovered Sugar Bear and […]

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FAQ's

What do bears eat?

Bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet varies by species and season but typically includes berries, nuts, roots, insects, fish, and small mammals. Some bears, like grizzlies, are skilled hunters, while others, like black bears, rely more on foraging.

Where do bears live?

Bears are found across North America, Europe, Asia, and even parts of South America. They inhabit a variety of ecosystems, including forests, mountains, tundras, and coastal regions. Each species has its own preferred habitat, such as polar bears in the Arctic and black bears in dense woodlands.

How long do bears live?

In the wild, bears typically live 15-25 years, depending on the species and environmental factors. In captivity, with proper care and veterinary attention, they can live over 30 years.

Are bears social animals?

No, most bears are solitary, except for mothers raising cubs. However, some species, like grizzlies, may gather in groups when food is abundant, such as during salmon runs. Bears communicate through body language, vocalizations, and scent markings.

How fast can bears run?

Despite their size, bears are surprisingly fast. Depending on the species, they can run between 30-40 mph (48-64 km/h) in short bursts. Black bears are particularly agile climbers, while grizzlies have immense power for chasing down prey or defending themselves.

Are bears endangered?

Some bear species are endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. For example, polar bears are at risk due to melting sea ice, while Asiatic black bears are hunted for the illegal wildlife trade. Other species, like American black bears, have stable populations but still face threats from human-wildlife conflict.

How many bears are in captivity?

Thousands of bears are held in captivity worldwide, often in roadside zoos, circuses, or private ownership. Many are used for entertainment, bred for the exotic pet trade, or kept in small enclosures with inadequate care. Sanctuaries like Lions Tigers & Bears rescue and rehabilitate bears from these situations, giving them a safe and natural environment to live out their lives.

Watch More Videos on Bearss

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Interpreting the Many Sounds and Calls of Bears | Lions Tigers & Bears | Exotic Animal Sanctuary

Why Bears Should Remain in Their Natural Environment | Lions Tigers & Bears Animal Sanctuary

Bears and Their Keen Sense of Smell | Lions Tigers & Bears | San Diego's Exotic Animal Sanctuary

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