Collection: Michael

Species: Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
DOB: January 27, 2007
Sex: Male
Arrival Date: September 2, 2016

Rescue Story: Michael was four weeks old when he was bought by his previous owners from a game farm in Indiana, and for nine years his days
were spent in the backyard of their rural Oklahoma home. Unfortunately, Michael has suffered from painful claw regrowth, a condition that resulted
from his owner’s decision to surgically remove his claws. Despite their best efforts, family hardship made it impossible for Michael’s owners to
continue keeping him. Two reputable sanctuaries: Lions, Tigers, & Bears and the Performing Animal Welfare Society, helped to transport Michael
and another bear, Popper, to the Refuge. After spending the required amount of time in quarantine, Michael was released into his new habitat.

More about Michael: He is particularly fond of being in the grass and sitting atop his habitat bench. He can be found standing up and scratching his
back on his broom head brush.