Unknown Outcome
The easiest thing for the fishermen to do would have been to reach out and grab the cub with their hands. However, not only did they run the risk of getting bitten by a startled baby bear, but they also knew that if their scent got on the cub, its mother might not accept it back into the family.
They therefore decided to make use of the sturdy pole they had brought along with them in an effort to assist the cub in pulling itself out of the water. Despite this, the animal appeared to be completely spent, and it was not at all clear that they would be successful.