USA, Apr 03: Californian black bears (Ursus americanus) have been found to be infected with a mysterious neurological disorder (impacting brain). This is a form of infectious encephalitis (inflammation of the brain tissue caused by virus, bacteria, etc). This ailment has mainly impacted the young bears of around 1 year of age. This makes them behave like pet dogs, snuggling upto humans in a friendly manner. Though this seems adorable, however, it makes them dependent which would ultimately make it tough for them to survive in the wild. Infected bears show symptoms like slow movements, seizures, loss of weight, tilted head and most important, they display non-aggressive behaviour towards humans which is shocking. In the last one year, four bears have been found to be infected with this disease. Veterinarians are not very sure of the exact causes of this disease in the young bears and the number it has infected so far is not yet clear.
Pic for representation