Bear cub injured in 416 Fire now healed and with other bears

The bear cub whose paws were burned during the 416 Fire in southwest Colorado has healed and her bandages are off, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported Friday.

It’s good news for the cub, who’s now spending her time in a pen with other cubs at the Frisco Creek facility.

“The burns have healed nicely and at this point, I’d say her paws are about 95 percent healed,” said manager Michael Sirochman. “She still has a few nicks on her feet that we’re keeping an eye on, so we’ll probably examine her a few more times during the next month.”

The cub had been isolated for about three weeks after being captured on June 22. She was spotted wandering alone by firefighters in an area burned by the fire. She weighed just 10 pounds when she was brought in, but she’s now up to 26 pounds, CPW said.

CPW plans to build dens using hay bales and tree branches in a remote area, and the bears will be taken there in January. When spring comes, they’ll emerge from the dens and live as wild bears.