Injured Bear Cub Rescued From Tamarack Fire Escapes Wildlife Center
A badly burned cub rescued from the Tamarack Fire escaped Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Inc. Tuesday. Officials with the center say that the six-month-old cub named Tamarack is not in immediate danger, nor does he pose a threat; however, because the cub is still bandaged and undergoing treatment, those with the center expressed the need to locate him "as soon as possible."
On Tuesday, Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Inc. posted a "community alert" to their Facebook page. They shared that Tamarack had escaped his enclosure, and managed to "tunnel under an electric fence." Though the cub is not in immediate danger, those with the center hope to find him quickly.
"We are asking anyone in the South Shore Lake Tahoe Area—in particular the areas of Black Bart, Heavenly Valley and Sierra Tract— to be on the lookout," the center said in its post. "It is important that non-residents stay out of the area as he is scared of humans and contact will only make him hide or run."
They explained residents should be looking for a 25-pound brown bear cub.
Officials say that the cub will most likely be active during nighttime hours, so they've encouraged their followers to be careful when driving and to accompany all dogs. Because he is afraid of humans, the center explained that Tamarack is likely hiding in a tree or a small space.
"If you see him do NOT approach him but keep visual contact and contact LTWC immediately," they said. "We need your help, hearts and eyes to locate him quickly so he can be returned to get the medical care he needs. Thank you!"
Tamarack was rescued on July 25 after a homeowner called the wildlife center about a burned bear cub they'd found in their yard, the center shared on Facebook. Officials sedated the bear and brought him into the center, where it was quickly determined that all four paws were badly burned. Center staff wrapped his wounds in a special gel to help ease the pain and promote healing.
Since being rescued, Tamarack has gained weight, and officials are confident that his paws will soon be ready for a skin grafting procedure.
The Tamarack Fire was sparked by a lightning strike on July 4, InciWeb reports. As of August 3, the fire — which has already engulfed 68,696 acres of land — is said to be 82 percent contained. Officials estimate the containment date to be August 21.
Sadly, other wildlife has been burned in west coast fires, including a bear cub in California's Sequoia National Forest; a bobcat near Weed, California; and two baby hawks in Oregon.
