A young black bear cub that was severely burned last December is on the road to recovery at a sanctuary in Smithers, B.C., where it will eventually join other bears. The cub sustained severe burns on its face, feet, and back while hibernating in a slash pile near Dawson Creek, B.C.
The rescue operation took place on December 20 when the Northern Lights Wildlife Society responded to the distress call and took the bear cub, now named Valkyrie, under its care. Angelika Langen, the society’s manager and co-founder, mentioned that Valkyrie’s treatment is progressing well, with ongoing care expected for several more weeks.
Although the cub’s facial wounds are healing satisfactorily, the paws require more time and are currently bandaged with healing creams to prevent infections. Langen expressed satisfaction with Valkyrie’s progress, highlighting the use of duct tape to secure the bandages and aid in the healing process.
Valkyrie, born in January or February 2025, is set to gradually integrate with other bears at the sanctuary and could potentially be released back into the wild by June. The bear was initially discovered in poor condition on a road in Dawson Creek before being rescued and transported to Smithers via Prince George.
Langen explained that it is common for hibernating bears to seek shelter in human-made debris piles intended for burning, which may lead to unfortunate incidents such as Valkyrie’s. She suspects that the cub sought refuge in a slash pile that was unknowingly set on fire by individuals, exposing the bear to extreme cold after rescue.
Despite facing harsh winter conditions with temperatures dropping significantly, Valkyrie’s rescue was deemed a stroke of luck by Langen, who emphasized that the cub would not have survived without intervention. The society remains hopeful for Valkyrie’s full recovery and eventual return to the wild.
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