Orphaned bear cubs survive winter

(ANSA) - Trento, May 21 - Two 16-month old bear cubs who survived the winter have been confirmed as the orphaned offspring of well-known bruin Daniza.
    Genetic testing confirmed the pair, weighing an estimated 40 kg to 60 kg, hibernated for at least part of the winter, from mid-November until mid-March, said Trento forestry officials.
    Experts stress the importance of not approaching the young bears or offering them food as they must learn to survive on their own and to fear humans.
    Their mother Daniza had become famous as a rare example of brown bears slowly re-inhabiting the forested areas of Italy's far north.
    But she was killed last fall after an overdose in a tranquillizer dart after she slapped a mushroom picker who came between her and her cubs.
    "Especially at this stage of their lives, it is extremely important that they maintain the natural distrust of man to maximize their chance of survival", forestry officials said.
    It is hoped that as many as seven new litters of bears containing 12 cubs now being monitored in Trentino will survive.