A young black bear cub that was severely burned in December is on the road to recovery at a sanctuary in Smithers, B.C. The cub sustained serious burns on its face, feet, and back while hibernating in a slash pile near Dawson Creek, B.C.
The Northern Lights Wildlife Society swiftly responded to the cub, now named Valkyrie, on December 20 and has been providing ongoing care. Angelika Langen, the society’s manager, mentioned that while Valkyrie’s facial burns are healing well, her paws require more time as they are being treated with creams and bandages to aid in healing and prevent infections.
Valkyrie, born in early 2025, is gradually acclimating to her surroundings and will eventually be reintroduced to other bears at the sanctuary. Langen hopes that Valkyrie will be ready for release back into the wild by June.
The rescue team discovered Valkyrie in a dire state on a road in Dawson Creek. Initially presumed to be hypothermic, a subsequent examination revealed severe burns. Volunteers transported Valkyrie to Smithers after a stop in Prince George, ensuring she was warmed up adequately for the journey.
Langen highlighted the dangers faced by hibernating bears seeking shelter in human-made debris piles, which are later set on fire. Valkyrie’s rescue was crucial, given the harsh winter conditions in which she was found. Langen emphasized that Valkyrie’s survival was a stroke of luck, as she would not have endured the extreme temperatures without intervention.