Tragic photo shows bear cub that was tormented by group of friends taking selfies and is now an orphan in an animal refuge

A bear cub that was tormented by a group of North Carolina friends who grabbed her to take selfies is now orphaned in an animal refuge. 

The Appalachian Wildlife Refuge has blasted the group who pulled the cub from a tree in Asheville, west NC, for their 'shocking' behavior - while giving an update on the cub's condition. 

Six friends were caught capturing the terrified baby bears before taking photos with them and dropping one on the ground beside a fence near Berrington Village Apartments in a viral video on April 16. 

Officials said the discarded cub was separated from her mother and siblings during the upsetting interaction, and their employees have spent the several weeks since stabilizing the traumatized animal. 

They have now released photographs of the adorable black bear resting its head on towels, and of officials gently handling her while wearing surgical gloves. 

The Appalachian Wildlife Refuge has released pictures of the baby bear cub which they have been rehabilitating since it was torn away from its mother by a group of friends in NC

The NC Wildlife Agency also said the cub was 'frightened, wet and shivering' and appeared to have suffered a paw injury when they responded to calls from witnesses on April 16. 

But Appalachian Wildlife Refuge Executive Director Savannah Trantham said she has recovered well since the incident - and has even befriended another rescue bear at the refuge.

'Following a time to adjust to being in our care she was introduced to another orphaned cub that arrived previously,' she said. 

'Both cubs are thriving and doing well in care. They are eating well and interacting with enrichment, doing all the things we hope to see with young cubs. 

'Our team has no reason to believe that they won't be released as wild bears in the fall.' 

Trantham added that the video from April 16 sparked 'feelings of frustration, sadness and anger' from the community. 

'We hope the act of witnessing these shocking visuals prompts people to reflect on the very real challenges that wildlife face every day,' she said. 

'The silver lining is that this cub was rescued by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). 

'It is now safe and being well cared for despite being separated from its mom.' 

Officials said the discarded bear was separated from her mother and siblings during the upsetting interaction, and their employees have spent the last two weeks stabilizing the traumatized animal

They have now released photographs of the adorable black bear resting its head on towels, and of officials gently handling her while wearing surgical gloves

Officials had to capture the baby bear in a cage after the upsetting interaction on April 16

The Appalachian Wildlife Refuge has been in the business of rehabilitating black bear cubs with the NCWRC since the spring of 2020. 

Since then they have cared for 39 injured or orphaned baby bears rescued from all over North Carolina. 

The cubs are cared for in natural habitats which are isolated from the busy general facility until mid-fall when they are identified for release and returned to wild areas close to where they were found.    

Trantham said the latest case isn't unique, as they often respond to incidents where cubs have been 'removed from their space and are unable to reunite with their mother'. 

They have also received bears which have been orphaned after their mothers were killed by cars, gunshots, or after becoming trapped in foreign objects.  

'We always want to see all wild animals left in the wild and be raised by their mothers, but we work hard every day to provide a place for these wild animals to go for those that truly do need our intervention,' Trantham said. 

She said bear cubs are one of the most expensive animals to rehabilitate. One cub can cost the nonprofit $30,000 in food, medical bills and habitat maintenance expenses. 

Six people in Buncombe County pulled the three bear cubs out of a tree near Berrington Village Apartments on April 16

Video shows the group carelessly grabbing the cubs out of the tree to pose for photos with them

'They are not only our most expensive patients, but also our most challenging to meet all of their needs and ensure we raise cubs that can be successful as wild bears,' Trantham said. 

'The incredible support from our donors and followers makes it possible to provide the space and care for these cubs and all the injured and orphaned wild patients we receive.'

Trantham said it's not unusual or concerning for baby animals to be away from their mothers during the spring and summer, and people should not try to move them.   

'Many wild mothers leave their babies in safe spaces while they forage for food and then they return when they know it is time to feed or move their young,' she said. 

'We encourage everyone to take the incident of these young cubs to heart and treat all wild animals with the respect they deserve.'