Meet Marshmallow: Orphaned bear cub found in Ocala National Forest
MARION COUNTY, Fla. - Editor's note: Initial information came from the Marion County Sheriff's Office's Facebook's page about the bear cub. The FWC said the bear was delivered to the Brevard Zoo. The Brevard Zoo said it renamed the male bear "Marshmallow" (formerly Grape). Goal is to rehab the bear and release him back into the wild once milestones are reached.
A young injured black bear cub was found wandering alone in the Ocala National Forest last Saturday, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
What we know:
Marion County deputies found the bear cub on Forest Road 90 on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Deputies searched for the bear's mother, but did not find her. So, they picked up the cub and took her to MCSO's Central Operations. From there, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was alerted and later took custody of the bear cub.
The FWC brought the bear to the Brevard Zoo,.
Lauren Delgado, a spokesperson for the Brevard Zoo, told FOX 35 in an email on Monday that it has renamed the bear, "Marshmallow."
She said he's in stable condition and that his leg is not broken.
"He’ll remain in our hospital until he meets certain milestones like gaining some weight and learning to eat on his own before he moves to our behind-the-scenes Rehabilitation Center," she said in a statement.
She said the goal is to then release him back into the wild.
How many black bears live in Florida?
According to the FWC, Florida is home to one species of bear – the black bear. According to estimated counts, there are believed to be more than 4,000 black bears living throughout Florida.
Bears are often a part of everyday life in Florida, especially for those who live near bear habitats and forests.
The FWC has a number of tips to remember:
- Do not feed bears (it's illegal)
- Secure garbage, pet food, birdseed, and other attractants from bears (ie: grills)
- Secure livestock with electric fencing
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep dogs on a short leash
In 2025, FWC approved and conducted its first bear hunt in more than a decade. More than 160,000 people submitted applications for the bear hunt. A total of 172 were sold – most of them to Florida residents, the FWC said.
During that hunt, a total of 52 bears were harvested statewide, the FWC said.
The Source: The Marion County Sheriff's Office posted photos and some initial information about the bear cub's rescue to its Facebook page.