Twenty years ago, a small brown bear cub was picked up near Mud Bay. Wildlife biologists discovered it had been fed dog food at a local home. The orphaned cub eventually left Alaska, becoming part of a trio of rescued bears who would spend their lives together at a major zoo exhibit thousands of miles away.
Last month, the Minnesota Zoo announced that the bear -- named "Haines" after the place where he was found -- had been euthanized.
In this week's story, we revisit the 2006 rescue, and speak to the wildlife workers who first cared for the cub. Their recollections trace how a small bear from Mud Bay became part of a decades-long connection between Alaska wildlife rescue efforts and a nationally known zoo exhibit.
Clicking on a story will log you in once you get to the website, unless you're not a subscriber or someone forwarded you this email. Look for the “subscribe” tab on the website or call the office at 907-766-2688 to update your subscription. |  | | (Rashah McChesney/Chilkat Valley News) Haines school superintendent Lilly Boron talks to student Chisel Triezenberg while Zorza Szatkowski films the interview during Mini Week on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Haines, Alaska. When more than half the school travels to the Region V Basketball Tournament, it's hard to hold regular classes., so teachers and community members provide alternative activities for the students to participate in. This year, Chilkat Valley News editor Rashah McChesney is teaching a shortform video journalism and broadcast class for students. | Feb. 27, 2026 / This week from the CVN | | | | | | | By Rashah McChesney - Chilkat Valley News | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | A skier, pictured at lower right, makes his way down the slope during the March 16, 2015 Freeride competition near the Canada border. (File photo courtesy/Marty Fowler) | | The Chilkat Valley News is hosting a Freeride World Tour watch party with the Harbor Bar in downtown Haines. | | While the tour is scheduled to be in the Chilkat Valley from March 14-21, it's not yet clear which date will be competition day. We'll keep an eye out and send an update when we know more. | | Thanks for reading, and subscribing! If you've got a story tip, correction or other feedback let us know here. |
If you’d no longer like to receive emails from the Chilkat Valley News, you can unsubscribe here. | | | | |