For many people, hiking is a way to unwind and enjoy the peace of nature, whether alone or with company.
Most of the time, the only encounters along the way are birds, squirrels, or the occasional deer. But every now and then, something unexpected turns a quiet walk into an unforgettable story.
An Unusual Discovery
While hiking along a foothill of the Olympic Mountains in western Washington, a man named Jonathan Evison noticed something that caught his attention.
At the base of a tree sat a strange, mud-covered ball of black fuzz.
Curious, Jonathan stepped closer, and as he did, he realized what it was.
The “ball of fur” was actually a tiny bear cub.
Jonathan, a New York Times bestselling author who lives in the area, hikes there daily and often spots wildlife. But he had never seen such a young cub all alone.
Believing the cub’s mother was nearby, Jonathan decided it was best not to interfere. He continued along his trail, hoping the baby and its mother would soon reunite.
A Familiar Face
The next morning, Jonathan returned to the same trail as part of his regular routine.
When he reached the spot where he had seen the cub, it was empty. Relieved, he assumed the little bear was safe with its mother again.
But as he continued deeper into the forest, he heard faint cries coming from just off the path.
Only a few feet away, the same cub was struggling beneath a fallen tree branch, calling out for help. This time, Jonathan knew he had to step in.
“I knew I had to help the little fella,” Jonathan told The Dodo.
Jonathan carefully lifted the heavy branch, freeing the cub. The young bear seemed overjoyed and, to Jonathan’s surprise, decided to follow him.
“Once I freed him, he basically attached himself to me, so I walked a mile back to the cabin with the cub either right on my heels or clinging to my ankle,” he said.
Although Jonathan had grown fond of the cub, he understood that keeping a wild animal wasn’t an option. He needed to get professional help.
Help Arrives
After contacting the West Sound Wildlife Shelter, Jonathan was instructed to bring the cub to them so it could be properly cared for.
At the shelter, the staff immediately gave the cub food and water before conducting a full medical exam. Thankfully, he was in good health despite his ordeal.
Once stabilized, the cub was transferred to PAWS Animal Welfare Society, where he could continue his recovery.
At PAWS, the team introduced him to another orphaned bear cub already under their care. Having a companion would help both cubs feel more secure and adjust more easily to their new environment.
The young bears will remain at the PAWS facility until experts determine the best time and place for their release back into the wild.
Thanks to Jonathan’s quick thinking and compassion, a tiny bear found safety and a second chance to live the life he was meant to have.
