This year the United States has been struck by numerous wildfires which included 8,000,000 acres destroyed in the western parts of the country. Two weeks ago, a four month old orphaned baby black bear was discovered clinging to a fir tree while firefighters with the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Fish and Game were battling the Mustang Complex Fire north of Boise, Idaho. This wildfire had destroyed more than 250,000 acres in the Salmon-Challis National Forest there.

The bear, nicknamed Boo Boo, was seen hobbling on his paws. It was discovered that he was suffering from second degree burns and blisters on all four paws. He hadn't eaten in days and was weighed in at just 23lbs. Boo Boo was immediately taken to the Garden Valley Ranger Station where Wildlife veterinarian Mark Drew tended to the little bear’s injuries.

Then Boo Boo was brought to the Idaho Fish and Game’s Wildlife Health Laboratory where his paws were bandaged. He has since been moved to a new home with the Idaho Humane Society. He will be treated by vets each day, but they must make sure the cub doesn’t get too attached to humans. This is to ensure a safe return to his natural habitat in the wild which is what is hoped for with him. Sadly all attempts to locate his mother have been unsuccessful.

“People from all over the country have asked about Boo Boo. They are also asking about contributing money to offset the cub’s medical treatment costs.” said Idaho Fish and Game conservation educator Evin O'Neale. State officials have been swamped with calls and e-mails from people near and far offering their support. The Idaho Humane Society said it had received $1,000 in donations and food for the bear in just a couple of days.

If little Boo Boo cannot be returned to the wild there is still good news. He will then live at Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary near McCall, Idaho, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife. The 35-acre property has a large, two-acre enclosure and a one-acre enclosure house for large animals, including a natural habitat for bears.

Good news also came from Director of the Idaho Humane Society, Dr. Jeff Rosenthal, who says Boo Boo is healing quite nicely. With no signs of infection in his wounds, the little cub is expected to make a full recovery.