Bear with third-degree burns receives life-saving treatment after being rescued from wildfire

RENO, Nev. (KOLO/Gray News) – A bear badly burned in the Davis Fire is receiving care at a Nevada animal sanctuary.

According to the Nevada Department of Wildlife, rescue teams named the bear Nugget and he is undergoing rehabilitation at the Animal Ark wildlife sanctuary.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue crews found Nugget Wednesday on Granite Ridge Road near Washoe City.

Nugget was found with third-degree burns on his paws as well as burns on his face and buttocks.

He was taken to the animal sanctuary for immediate treatment where he will continue his stay in rehabilitation.

To keep him wild, he will receive as little human contact as possible during treatment and rehabilitation.

“He has very severe burns on his paws and he has a long road to recovery,” said NDOW veterinarian Nate LeHue. “However, he is a wild bear and we are hopeful that we can return him to the wild.”

NDOW director Alan Jenne said the team was grateful for Animal Ark's help.

“While NDOW manages over 900 species of wildlife in Nevada, we simply are not equipped to handle this type of long-term rehabilitation,” Jenne said. “It is reassuring to know that this bear will receive the best possible care.”

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