In late July 2021, as wildfires raged throughout the Pacific Northwest, a group of firefighters noticed a tiny bear cub near the site of the Cedar Creek Wildfire in Mazama, Washington. They contacted the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, who were able to quickly mobilize to track and capture the bear, stabilizing her before bringing her to safety at PAWS Wildlife Center. The seven-month-old cub, weighing just 13 pounds, had second-degree burns on her face and paw pads. PAWS veterinary staff treated her by removing affected tissue, cleaning underlying tissue, applying ointment to promote healing, placing bandages to protect her wounds, and providing ongoing pain management.
Her recovery has taken many months, requiring frequent vet checks and bandage changes as her wounds slowly heal. Critical to her recovery, she was introduced to other orphaned black bear cubs in care at PAWS so the juveniles can rehabilitate together—learning, wrestling, and competing with each other, just as bear siblings in the wild do. The orphaned cubs at PAWS will be prepared for release next spring after more than ten months in care.
Just as the Cedar Creek Wildfire Bear was being stabilized, three other badly burned bears arrived from the 25-Mile Wildfire in Chelan, Washington: a yearling and two young cubs (who were found separately but turned out to be siblings). Unfortunately, the yearling’s injuries were too extensive for rehabilitation and had to be euthanized. The two 25-Mile Wildfire Bear siblings are receiving similar treatment to the Cedar Creek Wildfire Bear and will remain in veterinary care until further stabilized.
At an estimated cost of care of $7,500—more than double the typical cost of care for a bear’s stay at PAWS—these wildfire bears are receiving ongoing specialized care needed for their burns and injuries.
You can support injured and orphaned wildlife like these bears by donating today.