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Bear cub dies at refuge, weeks after its mom was euthanized

A bear cub whose mother was euthanized last month after a confrontation with a hunter has died at a wildlife refuge.

BYRAM, N.J. (AP) — A bear cub whose mother was euthanized last month after a confrontation with a hunter has died at a wildlife refuge.

The cub and a sibling were taken to the Woodlands Wildlife Refuge in Pittstown following the Jan. 13 incident in Allamuchy State Park in Byram. Refuge officials tell NJ.com (http://bit.ly/1BWD330) that the cub died over the weekend, but didn't provide further details.

The remaining cub, estimated at about four weeks old, remains at the refuge and is doing well.

Authorities have said the hunter inadvertently stepped on the cub's mother, who was lying near a fallen log, The female bear bit the hunter's leg and wouldn't let go, forcing the hunter to shoot and wound it.

State wildlife agents later located the bear and ultimately euthanized it.