Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, located in Stonewall, is appealing to the public for donations to help care for three 10-week-old black bear cubs that were orphaned after their mother was illegally shot near Balmoral. The mother bear was found dead near her winter den on the east side of Road 6E between March 30 and March 31, 2026. The incident remains under investigation by Manitoba Conservation, though no charges have been laid as of April 3, 2026.
Judy Stearns, the president and owner of Black Bear Rescue Manitoba, believes the mother bear was targeted after her location was shared on social media approximately two weeks before the shooting. It is illegal in Manitoba to kill a black bear with cubs, to shoot a bear from a vehicle, or to hunt out of season, as the official black bear hunting season does not begin until April 28.
The three orphaned cubs are currently receiving care at the Stonewall facility, which is the province’s only dedicated bear rehabilitation centre. The organization operates as a registered charity and relies entirely on public support to fund its operations, as it does not receive government funding. Those wishing to support the rescue efforts can send donations via e-transfer to [email protected] or by mailing a cheque to Box 585, Stonewall, Manitoba, R0C 2Z0.
Provincial officials have spoken out against the killing, with Natural Resources Minister Ian Bushie condemning the act as irresponsible. While the rescue prepares the cubs for release back into the wild this fall, the facility continues to advocate for the safety of its animals. The organization currently faces additional long-term challenges, including concerns regarding a proposed limestone quarry located less than one kilometre from the sanctuary, which Stearns says could pose a threat to the noise-sensitive animals in their care.
