Maddie

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Meet Maddie, Our Black Bear

Maddie's story begins with her being purchased as a cub, intended to be a family pet for a 3-year-old child in Ohio. However, as she grew to full size, the family made plans to sell her to a canned hunt game ranch for a mere sum of less than $200.

Fate took a twist when a neighbor, deeply enamored with Maddie, adopted her, saving her from the harsh reality of a life in a canned hunt. Despite this, Maddie endured a challenging existence, spending 11 to 12 years confined in a small 20'x20' corn crib cage and subsisting on a meager diet.

Change arrived when Ohio enacted the Dangerous Wild Animals Act, aimed at regulating the possession of exotic animals within the state. The stringent requirements and financial burdens of the law made it increasingly difficult for Maddie's owner to provide her with proper care. In response, the owner reached out to Lions Tigers & Bears.

Bobbi, a key figure who had played a pivotal role in the passage of this legislation, not only championed its implementation but also orchestrated the rescue of numerous animals from private ownership in Ohio. Among those fortunate beings was Maddie, who found a new home at LTB in 2013.

Today, Maddie thrives in a natural habitat, far removed from the confines of her previous life. She enjoys
a well-balanced bear diet and, most importantly, revels in the company of fellow bears at LTB in the Liberty Station habitat living a life filled with the warmth, care, and happiness she truly deserves.

Watch Maddie's Incredible Story

Milestones

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Saved from Canned Hunt (Early 2000s) – Purchased as a cub to be a family pet for a young child, Maddie was later at risk of being sold to a canned hunt game ranch. A compassionate neighbor intervened and took her in, sparing her from that cruel fate.

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Over a Decade in Confinement (2001–2013) – Despite being rescued from the canned hunt, Maddie spent 11–12 years in a cramped 20’x20’ corn crib cage in Ohio, living on an inadequate diet and without the space or enrichment a bear needs.

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Rescued by Lions Tigers & Bears (July 15, 2013) – Due to the enactment of Ohio’s Dangerous Wild Animals Act, Maddie’s owner could no longer meet the legal and financial requirements to keep her. She was surrendered and rescued by Bobbi and the team at Lions Tigers & Bears.

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Thriving in Her Forever Home (Present Day) – Now living in the spacious Liberty Station habitat, Maddie enjoys a proper diet, room to roam, and the companionship of other bears, experiencing the life she always deserved.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Blossom

Meet Blossom, Our Black Bear Blossom and Delilah were the last remaining residents at a roadside zoo in Oklahoma that had lost funding and was forced to close its doors. The zoo officials faced financial difficulties as they sought to provide proper care for their 240 animals and find new homes for them. However, in […]

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Gizmo

Remembering Gizmo, Our First Bobcat We sadly said goodbye to one of our first residents, Gizmo the bobcat in September 2016. Gizmo was arguably the smartest cat at Lions Tigers & Bears, and he knew it! He liked to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, and especially loved trying to outsmart his keepers. He […]

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Crash

Meet Crash, Our Gelding Rescue story coming soon. Stay tuned!

Learn more Sponsor Crash

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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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