Hairless Bear Found in Dumpster Makes Incredible Recovery After One Year

A heartbreaking discovery on Christmas Eve

Malnourished and frightened, the poor creature had lost every trace of her fur. It wasn’t until she was examined more closely that the rescuers realized she was a young black bear cub.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife rescued her on Christmas Eve in 2017, which inspired her name — Eve. Weighing far less than she should have and suffering from severe mange, Eve’s condition was one of the worst cases her rescuers had ever seen. Her journey to recovery would prove long and challenging, but also deeply inspiring.

The beginning of Eve’s recovery

Eve was transferred to The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center, where veterinarians immediately began treatment for her mange and malnutrition. Mange, caused by parasitic mites burrowing into the skin, can be devastating for wild animals. In Eve’s case, it had stripped her of her fur, left her skin painfully infected, and made her weak and vulnerable.

The team provided her with regular medical baths, topical treatments, and nutritious meals to help her regain her strength. Slowly, she began to heal. Although she remained small for her age, Eve showed remarkable resilience. Caretakers described her as curious and playful, often splashing in her pool and showing more signs of confidence as the months passed.

Small steps toward healing

By April 2018, about four months after her rescue, Eve’s caregivers noticed early signs of progress. Her fur began to grow back — albeit sparsely — and she showed more energy each day. The staff at the wildlife center shared updates on social media, calling her affectionately “the bare bear.”

They wrote, “We did see fur regrowth on sections of her body during her last exam, but it is very sparse overall. She still has some crustiness on her spine area, but that’s also where we’re seeing the most new growth.”

Despite these slow improvements, Eve continued to require daily medication and care. Her recovery was far from complete, but her determination inspired everyone who followed her story.

A difficult decision about her future

By the summer of 2018, Eve’s mange was finally gone. However, the damage to her skin was permanent, and her fur never grew back fully. Without a thick coat, Eve would struggle to survive in the wild — especially in colder seasons or harsh weather.

After careful consideration, The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center decided that releasing Eve back into the wild would be too dangerous. Around the same time, California was being ravaged by wildfires, further endangering wildlife. Instead, the team focused on giving Eve a lifelong home in a safe, controlled environment.

A new beginning at Black Beauty Ranch

The wildlife center launched a fundraising campaign to build a permanent habitat for Eve at the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Texas, a sanctuary known for caring for rescued exotic and wild animals. The new habitat would allow Eve to roam, play, and live comfortably while remaining safe from the dangers of the wild.

Her caretakers shared updates about her progress, explaining that it cost nearly $500 per week to care for her. But thanks to donations and public support, Eve’s future began to look bright. Staff described her as affectionate and intelligent, greeting her caregivers eagerly and spending more time outside as the weather warmed.

Even without her full coat, Eve was thriving. Her caretakers noted that black bears naturally have coats of varying colors — from black and brown to cinnamon and even blond — reminding everyone that beauty in nature comes in many forms.

A symbol of resilience and hope

Eve’s story is more than just a tale of survival. It’s a testament to the power of compassion and the dedication of wildlife rescuers who refuse to give up on even the most hopeless cases. From a hairless, frightened cub abandoned in a dumpster to a healthy, spirited bear enjoying her sanctuary life, Eve’s transformation is truly miraculous.

Today, Eve continues to live peacefully under the care of animal welfare experts, serving as a reminder of how kindness can restore even the most broken of beings. Her story inspires people worldwide to support wildlife rehabilitation and never lose hope in the face of adversity.