Sugar Bear

Click to hear 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 was captivated by his sweet personality. She effectively 'kidnapped' Sugar Bear to save him from that fate and then transferred to her unaccredited sanctuary in Ohio.

In Ohio, Sugar Bear's life was confined to a small corn crib cage with unforgiving concrete floors. This harsh existence continued until the sanctuary eventually closed its doors due to financial constraints. When the sanctuary closed, the owner was forced to surrender all the animals, including Sugar Bear.
Sugar Bear's rescue became part of a massive rescue and relocation initiative led by Lions Tigers & Bears1"' (LTB). This operation aimed to save all 32 animals from the former facility, ensuring their relocation to reputable sanctuaries across the United States.

Sugar Bear's transition to LTB was not without challenges. Having spent his life in the confines of a small cage, he was initially hesitant to venture out into his new surroundings. He had to adjust slowly to the concept of sun, dirt, open space, and the company of other bears. To help him make this transition, food trails were ingeniously used to coax him into the bear habitat.

Today, Sugar Bear has fully integrated into his black bear family at Lions Tigers & Bears. He has embraced life at the sanctuary and is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the positive impact of our sanctuary's care.

Watch Sugar Bear's Incredible Story

Milestones

.

Rescued from Canned Hunt Fate (Year Unknown) – Sugar Bear was originally bred to be sold to a canned hunt ranch, but an unaccredited sanctuary owner intervened and took him to her facility in Ohio.

.

Surrendered After Sanctuary Closure (2012) – When the unaccredited Ohio sanctuary shut down due to financial difficulties, Sugar Bear and 31 other animals were surrendered, prompting a large-scale rescue effort.

.

Rescued by Lions Tigers & Bears (August 2012) – As part of a major rescue and relocation mission, Sugar Bear was brought to Lions Tigers & Bears, where he began his rehabilitation and transition to a better life.

.

Thriving in His Forever Home (Present Day) – After overcoming the trauma of his past, Sugar Bear now enjoys a life of freedom, companionship, and care at Lions Tigers & Bears, fully integrated with his black bear family.

hello world!

Sugar Bear's Gallery

sponsor Sugar Bear

Shop Sugar Bear Merch

shop here

Meet Our Other Residents

Crystal

Meet Crystal: From a Breeding Facility to a Sanctuary of Hope At Lions Tigers & Bears, we are committed to rescuing animals from dire situations and providing them with a safe, nurturing environment. Crystal the tiger's story is one of survival, resilience, and transformation. Her journey from a harsh breeding facility to our sanctuary highlights […]

Learn more Sponsor Crystal

Himmel

Remembering Himmel, Our Goofy Tiger Cub On January 13, 2016, Himmel, a 6 month old tiger cub, tragically passed away. His sudden passing was heartbreaking to share. Himmel arrived at Lions Tigers & Bears on September 5th, 2015. He came to us malnourished, declawed, and suffering from an umbilical hernia. We had concerns that he had […]

Learn more Sponsor Himmel

Sallie

In October 2022, Susie and Sallie found their long-awaited freedom when they were rescued from the Tri-State Zoological Park in Maryland. This facility had been a defunct roadside zoo that had facedmultiple animal welfare violations over the years, ultimately leading to its closure. The path to this rescue was a lengthy and challenging one. PETA […]

Learn more Sponsor Sallie

1 2 3 … 25 Next »

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

hello world!

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

Read More Related Articles

24/05/28 | By: Bobbi Brink

The Dangers of Cub Petting: Why It's Harmful and Unethical

Cubs are cute, and that’s perhaps their biggest vulnerability. Their inherent cuteness and majestic presence make them incredibly appealing – and many people will happily pay to play with these animals. Sadly, the practice of cub petting attractions not only harms the animals in question but also helps fuel the illegal wildlife trade. As a […]

The Role of Apex Predators: Why Lions, Tigers & Bears are Crucial for Their Ecosystems

Apex predators like lions, tigers, and bears occupy the highest trophic levels in the food chain. They’re strong, fast, and have few to no natural predators. But what makes them so important isn’t just their power—it’s how they keep everything in balance. Without them, the whole ecosystem could fall apart. In this guide, we’ll explore […]

Guardians of the Forest: Bears' Essential Ecological Role

Bears are powerful animals with big personalities that match their physical size. They're intelligent, inquisitive, tolerant, empathetic, playful, social, and even altruistic. Bears are also the guardians of the forest because they protect the natural ecosystem. However, they face significant threats from human activities that endanger their survival and disrupt the ecosystems they help maintain. […]

619-659-8078

Stay The Night

Become A member

Attend a Fundraiser

Sanctuary Standards

The gift that gives