Sugar Bear

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Meet Our Other Residents

Penelope

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Zulu

Meet Zulu, Our African Lion Zulu was rescued at the age of 14, along with two other lions, Arusha and Lufuno in April 2017, after their private owner and former animal trainer decided to relinquish the trio to Lions Tigers & Bears. Zulu was used as an animal performer in movies, television and live shows […]

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Meatball

Meet Meatball, Our Black Bear Meet Meatball, a remarkable California black bear with an even more remarkable story. In August 2012, Meatball was captured by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife after his third strike of wandering into neighborhoods in northeast Los Angeles. He had become known as the "Glendale Bear" because of his […]

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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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