After wandering from Dory and finding his way back, adventurous baby black bear wins 2026 Courageous Cub Award
A cub’s risky detour
The young bear, one of two cubs born to Dory this season, strayed from his family in Tongass National Forest. Rangers said he traveled half a mile along a trail and went up to visitors before fleeing in the wrong direction.
Hours later, he came back along the trail, apparently following his nose to locate his mother. He was reunited with Dory and his sibling. Rangers recognized his adventure with the 2026 Courageous Cub Award. The cub has not been named.
Following a powerful scent
Black bears have a keen sense of smell, which helped the cub find his family. How far bears can detect a scent is debated; estimates in the article range from at least two miles to as many as 20.
Dory and her cubs are among the bears seen at Anan Creek, where salmon draw black and brown bears each summer. The bears also teach their young how to fish.
Bears at Anan Creek
Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States and covers much of southeastern Alaska, including Juneau. Anan Creek is one of its salmon-rich locations and attracts bears looking for food.
Friends of Anan reports that at least 39 bears feed there: 31 black bears and eight brown bears. The U.S. Forest Service tracks bears seen at Anan, while explore.org cameras stream their behavior. The rangers are presenting Anan Bear Awards to the 39 bears observed at the Anan Wildlife Observatory over the summer.
Key points
- Dory’s unnamed cub received the 2026 Courageous Cub Award after wandering away and finding his family again.
- The cub traveled half a mile, approached visitors, and returned hours later.
- At least 39 bears, including 31 black bears and eight brown bears, feed at Anan Creek.
- The U.S. Forest Service tracks bears at Anan, and explore.org broadcasts live camera streams.