Nevada Department of Wildlife officials announced on Friday that a bear severely burned in the Davis Fire was moved to Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center for rehabilitation.
The male bear, identified as “G51” in NDOW’s data system and nicknamed “Nugget” by rescuers, was found Wednesday by Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue crews off Granite Road in Washoe Valley. The animal suffered burns on its paws, face and hind end.
NDOW wildlife veterinarian Nate LaHue and Animal Ark wildlife veterinarian Leslie Spears attended to the bear’s injuries. “G51 has very serious burns on his paws, and he has a long road to recovery,” LaHue said. “However, he is a wild bear, and we hope to send him back to the wild.”
Human contact during treatment and rehabilitation will be minimized during the bear’s treatment. Spears said: “He will receive a lot of love and attention here. Animal Ark is fabulous. I will follow up with retreatment visits.”
Animal Ark, located 28 miles north of Reno, serves as a sanctuary for injured, abandoned, and non-releasable wild animals. The Davis Fire, which started Sept. 7 at Davis Creek Regional Park in Washoe Valley, burned nearly 6,000 acres. NDOW and Animal Ark representatives said they plan to update the bear’s condition as it becomes available.
Source: NDOW
