As humans, it is our job to rescue animals in need. These species are those that do not have help otherwise, are out in the wild and have no place to call home except for nearby forests and woods. Of course, these animals are trained to look out for themselves, and sometimes it is dangerous to approach wild animals because they may cause harm. But, what if you see a little furry friend in clear distress and in need of your help? Would you help it? A hiker, passing by a baby bear, did.
Corey Hancock was hiking when he came across a three-month-old black bear cub; this cub was on the verge of dying and Corey knew that he had to do something to save him. The most he could to, do his knowledge, was pick up the dying bear and take him to a local wildlife center. That’s exactly what he did. “He looked dead. His eyes were grey, he was laying there on his back with his paws out,” Corey told Inside Edition.
Before taking the cub away, the hiker gave his mom about 10 minutes to show up and take him. When that didn’t happen, he knew that he couldn’t wait too much longer. He put the bear in his car and set off. He took breaks in between the car ride to the wildlife center to breathe air into the cub who, at this point, was struggling to stay alive. When Corey got to the Salem Wildlife Center he gave the workers the bear and was notified that there would be charges pressed on him pretty soon; he had landed himself into some trouble with the law.
Although Corey was trying to save a life, the authorities are upset with his actions because you’re never supposed to take matters like this one into your own hands. You don’t ever take wildlife out of their habitat — it is illegal.
Now that the cub, who Corey named Elkhorn, was at the wildlife center, authorities and vets say that he will not be able to go back to his habitat; once the animal is taken away, it cannot go back. The bear will have trouble climbing trees and isn’t well-equipped with the skills he needs to survive in the wild.
I think Corey did the right thing of bringing the poor animal to the shelter. What do you think?
Click on the link below to get the accounts directly from Corey and see if he got charged.
