Could Boo Boo be the next Smokey Bear?
Idaho officials say the popularity of a baby black bear given the name Boo Boo, who was rescued after being burned in a wildfire, may help remind people of the wide consequences of wildfires.
"People from all over the country have asked after the bear," Idaho Fish and Game conservation educator Evin Oneale said. "Many have asked about contributing money to offset the cub's medical treatment costs."
Boo Boo was brought to the Idaho Humane society after firefighters found him last week while battling the Mustang Complex Fire that has scorched more than 250,000 acres in Idaho.
“He’s healing nicely,” Dr. Jeff Rosenthal, Director of the Idaho Humane Society said. “His pads and toes are no longer bleeding and new skin is already forming on the burned portions.”
Officials said the bear, which weighed 23 pounds when they first rescued it, is expected to make a full recovery. And Boo Boo is starting to act more like you'd expect of a black bear.
“Eating like a little pig, very feisty, and not very social,” Rosenthal said. “He charges the cage front whenever anyone gets near, trying to scare us off.”
Photos of the bear after he was rescued last week show how rescue workers wrapped his paws in red gauze and gave him medication.
KBOI: View more photos of Boo Boo
"When they see Boo Boo, they can see what can happen when fire gets out of control," Cyd Weiland with the Boise National Forest told CNN affiliate KTVB. "Having Boo Boo, having Smokey Bear, is a really good reminder to always be careful with fire."
After the bear was found, rescuers began to treat wounds on his paws.
The bear clung to a tree when rescuers first approached him and was hobbling on his paws.
"Fires burn in the woods and in the mountaintops, and it drives all the animals down," Larry Colozzi, an engine boss with the U.S. Forest Service Fire Department, told KTVB. "(Boo Boo) was on the trail hurt. We got about 10 or 15 feet from him and took some pictures of him and then we got a little closer and he kind of scampered up a tree. His paws were hurt so he was going kind of slow."
The executive director of the Idaho Humane Society said the bear will be treated by vets each day to make sure it heals, but they also have to make sure the bear doesn't get attached to those caring for him to ensure he can safely be returned to the wild.
"The first goal is to save Bernard, or Boo Boo's life, and the second priority is to try to make sure that he doesn't get used to being around people," Jeff Rosenthal told KTVB.
The Humane Society said it had received $1,000 in donations and food for the bear just over the past couple of days.
"The donations are very much appreciated, but what we really need now are berries of any kind, be they strawberries, blackberries, blueberries or whatever,” Rosenthal said. “But no more apples, please. We have enough donated apples to bake him an apple pie every day this month."
This is what states that care about wildlife do, rather than the way Minnesota DNR officials do, Minnesota shoots first and then makes excuses why??
It's too sad to think about, but glad to hear he's expected to make a full recovery. Thanks to the Idaho Humane Society for making a success story.
Awwwwwwwwwwwe
Is he related to Honey Boo Boo?
no this boo boo bear is not related to a spoiled white trash brat!! not even in the same league
I'm sure Boo Boo misses his mama Bear. How sad that people's actions harm our wildlife like this. Arsonists or careless campers ought to be able to be sued by the animal kingdom in loco parentis. I'm glad this cute (but wild) bear is healing.
Bless your heart boo boo, get well soon!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with helping mother nature and her critters. Thank you to those who helped this bear. Mother nature lost many other animals to the fire....this is sad....but good is when this beautiful wild bear heals and returns back to mother natures land......
There is nothing wrong with helping mother nature and her critters....Thank you so much to all who helped this wild bear. I know Mother Nature thanks you too! So many other critters lost their lives in the fire....but this bear is lucky and I am sure grateful....
Why is it even heartwarming stories bring out all the trolls? Seriously!
What a great story. I just hope the bear is able to adapt back to the wild and that this story has a happy ending.
Don't know how they will get him back to the wild, he's so young. They stay with their mothers a looong time to learn everything they need to know to survive. Good luck and I hope the lil guy recovers & makes a good life for himself.
What a darling baby bear! Hate that he has been through so much. Thanks to all that brought him help!
please send the cubbie to NORTHERN LIGHTS WILDLIFE SOCIETY so boo boo can be with other orphan bears, to grow an have happiness ! he needs other cubbies to play with, an please dont keep him all by himself.
this humanness, shown to the baby bear, should put the wicked people to shame! they woukd only know if they were in the bear's place! Alas, they will never know! 'Cause, they know to dodge the fire, & the law!
What a waste of time and money.
Your entire life is a waste of oxygen and nutrients.
And given a choice between saving the life of this bear, and saving the life of you and your entire family for ten generations, I would chose the bear without the slightest hesitation.
You are an ignorant person-I am not wasting my time saying anything else.
Nice to know that there are still people out there who are compassionate enough to save the life of an injured animal. Man thanks to these fine people.