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From orphaned bear cub to leader of the pack: Update on cub rescued from Wythe Co. brush fire

Ten months have passed since an orphaned bear cub, now affectionately known as “Double Green,” was rescued from a brush fire in Wythe County. Today, he stands as the leader among six other black bears at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

The black bear is now almost a year old, known as a yearling. He was an infant, 6 to 8 weeks old, and weighed just 5.5 pounds when he was admitted to the center in Waynesboro.

Connor Gillespie with the Wildlife Center of Virginia told 10 News the bear got his name from the green tags now marked in each ear. The tags are used to distinguish Double Green from the other bears.

Double Green’s journey began when he was saved by Matt Hankins during a brush fire March 14 that started in the Piney community. The blaze eventually spread to nearly 300 acres after someone burning brush lost control of the fire. At the time of the rescue, Hankins said neighbors saw another black bear in the area running from the flames and thought this could be the cubs mother. Firefighters there saw movement in the brush and spotted the cub. He was the only one they could find.

“I was able to hold on to him, clasp him, and he was actually pretty calm,” said Hankins. “[He] didn’t try to scratch me or anything. He actually almost seemed like he was asking for help because he didn’t try and run away or get away from me.”

He said being able to hear the cub during everything was a miracle.

Matt Hankins said being able to hear the cub during the fire was a miracle. (Matt Hankins)

Southwest Virginia fell in love with the cub as it was seen pictured in Hankins arms. Hankins early intervention was crucial for his survival and development. Despite the fire and fear of smoke inhalation, Double Green was not injured.

Double Green was the first cub to arrive at the Waynesboro Center in 2024. Since then he has grown alongside six other cubs, all of whom are now yearlings. Gillespie said all cubs are kept together so they can learn to socialize.

“Over the past year they’ve learned skills like climbing trees, foraging, socializing with other bears and recently some den behaviors now that it’s cold out for winter and now that they’re getting ready to be full year with us they’re about ready to be on their own,” Gillespie said. Double Green is usually the first to try new things and is the largest of the yearlings.

Caring for the bears is understandably an expensive undertaking for the nonprofit. Read more about their stories and donate here.

Double Green seen with his six other yearling friends at the Wildlife Center of Virginia (Wildlife Center of Virginia)

As spring approaches, Double Green and his fellow yearlings are getting ready to be released back into the wild of Virginia’s Mountains where they belong.

The Wildlife Center will work closely with state biologists to ensure that Double Green is released in a location where he can thrive and continue his journey in the wild.

Double Green’s story is a testament to the dedication and care provided by the Wildlife Center of Virginia and his initial rescuers. As he prepares for his release, the hope is that he will continue to grow and thrive in his natural habitat. The release will likely be in March or April.


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About the Author
Rachel Lucas headshot

Watch Rachel anchor weekdays during 10 News at 5, 5:30, 6 and 7 p.m. Rachel also specializes in health reporting and provides daily reports during HealthWatch. A Southwest Virginia native, Rachel takes pride in covering local news for the place she calls home.