When the program first began, cubs were released to supplement population numbers with the goal to increase and restore the bear population. While black bear populations in North Carolina have been restored, the rehabilitation of orphaned bear cubs has continued to ensure these cubs have the best chance of success once they are returned to the wild.

NCWRC receives orphaned cubs beginning in late January, with most arriving April through June after female bears have emerged from their dens with their cubs. The cubs are placed with one of two licensed wildlife rehabilitators that have been experienced and trained in black bear cub rehabilitation at the North Carolina Zoo and Appalachian Wildlife Refuge.The rehabilitators provide expert care and specialized food, with limited to no human interaction, until the bear cubs are about seven to eight months old.

Some of the cubs are outfitted with tracking collars when they are released so NCWRC biologists can monitor their movements and learn more about their actions post-release. One example occurred following Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Five cubs with tracking collars had been released prior to the storm. All five survived, and NCWRC received no reports of the released cubs causing conflicts with people. All cubs settled down during the storm, became active again days later and went on to find suitable den sites for hibernation. The tracking collars are designed to stay on the cubs until the following April; at that time, a timer on the collar causes it to drop off the cub. 

Bear cubs are released on state-managed lands at sites reasonably far from human development in the region they were originally found. 

NCWRC wildlife biologists advise that a bear cub seen alone is rarely orphaned. Often, the mother bear is nearby foraging for food and will return within a few hours. Remaining in the area or attempting to catch the cub could inadvertently separate it from its mother and possibly injure the cub.