The Wildlife Center of Virginia works with Charlottesville orthopedic surgeon to save bear cub

On Sunday, May 29, an injured male Black Bear cub – one of five currently being treated at the Wildlife Center of Virginia — was admitted to the Waynesboro-based wildlife hospital from Nelson  County after it had been spotted on the road for two days. The Center’s veterinary team examined the small cub, weighing in at about six pounds, and found that he had a humeral fracture of his right front leg. Given the nature of the fracture and the bear’s young age and rapidly growing bones, the Center staff sought the expertise of a specialist in fracture repair technique and equipment.

Dr. Karra Peirce, the Center’s veterinary director, reached out to the Virginia Veterinary Specialists (VVS) in Charlottesville to see if an orthopedic surgeon would be able to assist with this fracture repair. Fortunately, Dr. Kevin Stiffler, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and the team at VVS happily agreed to help with the surgery. Dr. Stiffler graciously donated his time on his day off to repair the fracture on Thursday, June 2. VVS only charged the Center for materials used – a wonderful representation of how collaboration and community involvement are vital pillars of successful wildlife rehabilitation.

“I am so grateful for organizations and veterinarians that are willing to help us care for our wild patients when advanced and specialized procedures are required. We were so impressed by the
skills and professionalism by all the staff at VVS, and are so lucky to be surrounded by such a supportive community of veterinarians and veterinary staff!” shared Dr. Karra.

The bear cub’s procedure went well, as Dr. Stiffler and the VVS team were able to successfully repair the fractured bone during surgery that lasted several hours. Veterinary staff reported that the cub recovered from anesthesia without incident, and was transported back to the Wildlife Center for extended care that same afternoon. The bear will be cage-rested in a Zinger crate for now. In about two weeks, the Center staff will take radiographs to check on the healing progress of the bone.

Dr. Stiffler and his team have helped Wildlife Center patients in the past — in 2012, he performed a complicated fracture repair on a bobcat, and in 2013, he performed a fracture repair on another Black Bear cub!

The Wildlife Center of Virginia invites the public to visit their “Critter Corner” page to read about this cub’s story and learn about the animals that are currently being treated at the non-profit
hospital, watch live-streaming video feeds of patient bear cubs and find educational resources on how to help wildlife.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia

The Wildlife Center of Virginia is an internationally acclaimed teaching and research hospital for wildlife and conservation medicine. The nonprofit Center has cared for more than 90,000 wild
animals, representing 200 species of native birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The Center’s public education programs share insights gained through the care of injured and orphaned wildlife, in hopes of reducing human damage to wildlife.