UPDATE: Bear Found in Barstow Desert Dies After Suffering Heat Stroke, Officials Say – VVNG

Update – May 16, 2025: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed that the bear did not survive.
“A CDFW biologist responded to the distressed male black bear… [which] was severely dehydrated and likely suffering heat stroke,” said Krysten Kellum, Information Officer for CDFW. The biologist, in consultation with a wildlife veterinarian, immobilized the bear for evaluation and potential relocation. “Ultimately the bear did not survive immobilization and died during the drive toward the San Bernardino Mountains.”
Officials say the bear, estimated to weigh 300 pounds, had likely dispersed east from the San Bernardino Mountains in search of new habitat — a behavior not uncommon for black bears, though dangerous in the Mojave Desert. “Unfortunately, no suitable habitat exists for more than 200 miles to the east and the odds of survival are extremely low,” Kellum said. The California Highway Patrol also assisted deputies in keeping the bear out of traffic near the I-40.
BARSTOW, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A black bear wandering alone through the Barstow desert shocked railroad workers and deputies Thursday, setting off an unusual High Desert rescue that ended with the animal sedated and taken in for treatment.
According to a Facebook post by the Barstow Sheriff’s station, the rare encounter happened while deputies were out on patrol. “They ended up making a friend! They kept it out of harm’s way and got the help it needed. Back to Big Bear the bear goes,” the department wrote.
The incident occurred at approximately 12:42 p.m. on May 15, 2025, near Hector Road and National Trails Highway. Gloria Orejel, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, told VVNG that BNSF Railway employees initially spotted the bear as it crossed the highway.
When deputies arrived, they found the bear, appearing to be a young adult, wandering the brush-covered desert terrain.
In the photos shared by the department, the bear can be seen sitting on the sandy ground under sparse desert shrubs, its fur dusty and thick in the midday sun.
“The deputy provided the bear with water and shade, and he rested until Fish and Game responded,” stated Orejel.
The bear was later sedated by California Department of Fish and Wildlife personnel and transported to a veterinarian for evaluation.
Although no official update has been provided by wildlife officials, Robert Hall stated Friday morning that he was informed the bear did not survive. According to Hall, the animal may have succumbed to severe dehydration and heat-related complications, though it’s unclear whether it died naturally or was humanely euthanized.
As of now, the exact condition of the bear is not yet known. VVNG has reached out to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for an update and will share more information as it becomes available.
This wildlife sighting in the High Desert serves as a reminder for residents to be cautious and contact authorities if they spot animals outside their typical habitat.
“Pretty rare sight out here. Saw one about 35 years ago, just over the back side of the Newberry mountains while out off-roading,” commented James Alvord.
The bear found is an American black bear, the only bear species native to California. Despite its name, the species can appear in a range of colors, including black, brown, and even blonde.
Anyone who encounters wildlife in distress should avoid approaching and instead call local authorities or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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