One officer rushed to Nolan’s side, slicing through the ropes with a swift motion. Another cradled the quivering cub, easing it away from the chaos. A handful of officers converged on the trapped mother bear, carefully lifting the heavy net that pinned her down.
Once free, the mother bear reared up, letting out a guttural growl that shook Nolan’s nerves. But her eyes found her cub, and she lumbered over to sniff and nudge it gently. Nolan’s legs nearly buckled with relief at the sight of them together.