B.C. family rescues bear cub struggling in Okanagan Lake

The Zamniuk family, boating on Okanagan Lake on Sept. 12, 2026, pulled a bear cub from the water when they spotted it struggling to stay afloat with its nose going under. After warming it up and feeding it cheese, they followed conservation instructions and released the cub back to shore, where it ran into the woods.

Black bears are typically good swimmers; wildlife officials said this case was rare and the cub's mother was likely nearby.