A baby bear named Li’l Smokey by the firefighter who rescued him while fleeing a Shasta-Trinity National Forest wildfire in northern California, has been saved thanks to some innovative footwear when his paws were scorched in the forest fire.
Photo Barcroft Media
Li’l Smokey’s paws suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns from walking on the scorched earth while attempting to escape the fire, and was brought to the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Centre for rehabilitation by the firefighter.
Sadly, hopes for the little creature’s survival that was only 6 months old and weighed a mere 8.5 pounds was grim.
But due to the tender loving care and attention that he received from care workers at the wildlife center, Li’l Smokey is on the mend thanks to some curious bandages and bear booties.
New shoes … Li’l Smokey waking up after being anaesthetized
so his booties could be changed. Photo Barcroft Media
Li’l Smokey has his first day with one of his paws unbandaged. Photo Barcroft Media
Bandaged … Li’l Smokey after his initial treatment. Photo Barcroft Media
Home … Li’l Smokey in his igloo. Photo Barcroft Media
“Smokey was in a pretty bad way when he arrived here at the centre in late July.” said Tom Millham, Secretary at the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Centre.
“The Californian Department of Fish and Game had bandaged him up before he arrived but there was a lot of work to do.”
“Our vet, Dr. Kevin Willitts, put new ointments and medication on all 4 paws, re-wrapped them, and placed Smokey in an airline pet carrier to rest.”
Dr. Willitts fitted the baby cub with new ’booties’ that allowed him to run around which played a major step in the animal’s recovery.
On the mend … Li’l Smokey paws are healing. Photo Barcroft Media
Sore … Li’l Smokey’s burnt rear paws. Photo Barcroft Media
Shoe swap … Li’l Smokey’s protective booties are changed. Photo Barcroft Media
Li’l Smokey is now walking on bare paws and has been moved to a larger cage with one screened side that allows him to enjoy and become acclimatized to the natural weather outside.
Currently weighting 45 pounds (20.5 kilos), doctors have good hopes for him to be released back into the wild and enjoy his life as it was meant to be.
Bear hug … Li’l Smokey being held by Dr Willitts. Photo Barcroft Media
Walking … Li’l Smokey in his outside cage without his booties. Photo Barcroft Media
Bearfoot … Li’l Smokey ditches his boots. Photo Barcroft Media
“Smokey is now in a cage which is 14’ x 10’ and he has no booties, bandages or dressings on his paws.” said Tom.
Dr Willitts counted all of his 20 claws either ’in tact’ or growing and he also had all of his 20 toes during his last examination.
“There is still some ’toughening’ of the pads of his paws, but as for now, we couldn’t ask for anything better. He is doing fantastic.” remarked Tom.
Source: Sun