The cub is now an adult. But Douillous could very well have never grown up. He even seemed doomed. At the age of 5 months, he was found alone, malnourished and dehydrated in Ariège in June 2019. He was then entrusted to a Tarn veterinarian who saved his life. Back to the story of a rebirth.
Didier Villate is a veterinarian. He works a lot on cattle and sheep farms. But, he has a passion for wildlife. And, in June 2019, his dream will come true. He is requested by the National Office for Hunting and Wildlife to participate in the rescue of Douillous, a 5-month-old bear cub.
The young plantigrade will take the name of the town in which it was found. He was in very poor condition. The cub is alone, without its mother. His chances of survival are very limited. But the cub will show an astonishing character which has amazed his caretaker.
Man has been the bear’s “best” enemy for centuries. Hunting has literally decimated the plantigrade population in the Pyrenees. But the enemy sometimes comes from within, that is to say from the males.
Douillous made the bitter experience of it. As his veterinarian recalls, infanticides are common among bears. The males do not hesitate to get rid of the young to mate with their mother.. This is probably what happened with Douillous. To save his life, he had to face the mountain alone when he was not weaned.
Luckily, the cub crosses paths with agents from the Office National de la Chasse. He is captured and entrusted to the good care of his veterinarian, Didier Villate.
A clinical examination and blood samples point to a state of great fatigue. But the animal, in addition to the enthusiasm and dedication of its veterinarian, benefits from a powerful vitamin: a strong character.
A “lion” temper
The bear is placed in a refuge in the Tarn. As soon as he arrives, he throws himself on the “menu” of the day: meat and fruit. His chances of survival were limited. But he is recovering. To the point of setting off for a walk in the open air. Douillous exploits the only flaw in his cage, and leaves to visit the surrounding countryside.
He was found 48 hours later, his muzzle in cattle food.
For his veterinarian, the cub shows a sacred character.
In September 2019, Douillous finds the natural environment he should not have left.
He finds the Pyrenean massif.
An adult bear, resembling Douillous, has been spotted.
Successful operation and big smile for his rescuer, Didier Villate.