This bear returns to its home in Southern California. Photo/Provided

A bear rehabbed at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care was released back to the Los Padres National Forest near Lebec.

The male cub was found in distress near the town of Lebec in August 2013.

“People frequently encounter young wild animals such as bears and assume they need assistance or have been orphaned,” CDFW Senior Environmental Scientist Marc Kenyon said in a statement. “In most cases, they should be left alone. Any intervention with young wildlife should be left to CDFW staff or permitted wildlife rehabilitators. This is the best way to ensure that wildlife stays in the wild.”

Upon release, the cub was given a final health checkup that included taking hair and blood samples.