The rescue of three orphaned black bear cubs in Sooke has been hampered by 鈥渄ifficult terrain鈥�, but wildlife experts are hopeful an attempt on Monday (Nov. 18) will have more success.

The cubs were left without a mother on Thursday Nov. 14, when the sow was hit by a car on West Sooke Road.

According to the Sooke-based wildlife education group Wild Wise, the accident was a result of the family of bears accessing unsecured attractants, such as garbage, for a number of weeks.

Since the accident, Wild Wise has been monitoring the cubs, who have taken refuge in a tree, providing support and information to the Conservation Officer Service (COS) and North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, to help facilitate a safe rescue and relocation.

鈥淭his remains a delicate situation that requires patience to ensure the possibility of them being transported to the recovery centre,鈥� said Wild Wise in an online statement on Nov. 18.

鈥淏oth the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre and the COS are on standby, ready to respond as soon as it is safe to implement efforts to retrieve the cubs.鈥� 

The wildlife organization says the cubs appear to be healthy and safe,  鈥渆xhibiting feeding behaviours, scratching, lots of long naps and sibling cuddles.鈥�