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10 June 2024
In a tale that seems straight out of a wildlife mystery novel, a young bear cub dubbed Buddy has left Arizona wildlife officials scratching their heads. Discovered in a Tucson neighborhood and subsequently placed at the Bearizona Wildlife Park in Williams, Buddy’s journey has raised more questions than answers.
One of the most puzzling aspects of Buddy’s story is his size. When he was rescued in December, he weighed a mere 15 pounds, a fraction of what would be expected for a bear cub of his age. Typically, bear cubs in the United States are born between January and February and should weigh around 70 pounds by the end of the year. Buddy’s diminutive stature suggests that he is much younger than his appearance indicates, prompting comparisons to an elf from a popular Christmas movie and earning him the fitting moniker “Buddy.”
The timing of Buddy’s discovery is also unusual. Bear cubs are not typically born in August or September, as it would have been for Buddy to be found in December. Such a scenario is practically unheard of in the world of bear biology, adding another layer of mystery to his origins.
Furthermore, Buddy’s comfort around humans has raised eyebrows among wildlife experts. Unlike most wild animals, who tend to avoid human contact, Buddy displays an unusual lack of fear and seems at ease in human company. This behavior has led to speculation that Buddy may have been illegally fed by humans for an extended period, potentially explaining both his comfort around people and his stunted growth.
The circumstances of Buddy’s arrival at Bearizona only deepen the mystery. Found in a Tucson neighborhood, far from his natural habitat in the Catalina Mountains, Buddy’s journey from the mountains to civilization is a baffling feat for a bear of his size. How he managed to traverse such a distance without falling prey to predators remains a perplexing question for wildlife officials.
Despite the many unknowns surrounding Buddy’s story, one thing is certain: he has found a safe haven at Bearizona. Thankfully, his unusual size and behavior did not result in euthanasia, and he now has the opportunity to live out his days in the high country. Visitors to Bearizona are welcome to meet Buddy and marvel at this enigmatic creature, whose story may forever remain shrouded in mystery.
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