A young black bear cub that was rescued last December after sustaining severe burns is on the road to recovery at a sanctuary in Smithers, British Columbia. The bear, named Valkyrie, was found with burns on its face, back, and feet after being caught in a fire while hibernating in a slash pile near Dawson Creek.
The Northern Lights Wildlife Society swiftly responded to the cub’s distress and took it under their care on December 20. Angelika Langen, the manager and co-founder of the sanctuary, mentioned that while Valkyrie’s facial burns are healing well, the burns on its paws require more time to recuperate. Langen expressed satisfaction with the progress, highlighting the use of duct tape to secure bandages on the cub, aiding in the healing process.
Valkyrie, born in early 2025, will gradually be introduced to other bears at the sanctuary and could potentially be released back into the wild by June. Langen recalled how the cub was initially discovered lying on a road in Dawson Creek, prompting the society’s intervention due to its critical condition. It was later revealed during a medical examination that Valkyrie had suffered burns, not hypothermia as initially suspected.
After being transported from Prince George to Smithers following the rescue, Valkyrie endured a nine-hour journey to reach the sanctuary. Langen explained that bears often seek shelter in human-made debris piles, inadvertently putting themselves at risk during controlled burns. She speculated that Valkyrie had sought refuge in a slash pile that was unknowingly set ablaze, leading to the cub’s injuries.
Despite facing harsh winter conditions post-rescue, including a drastic drop in temperatures, Valkyrie’s timely discovery and subsequent care saved its life according to Langen. The dedicated efforts of the wildlife society have given Valkyrie a fighting chance at recovery and a potential return to its natural habitat in the coming months.
