Officials with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), along with the Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Care, said on Tuesday they are saddened to inform the public that the bear burned by the David Fire was euthanized.
The bear’s condition worsened since Friday, Sept. 20. It was determined by Animal Ark’s veterinarian, Dr. Lesli Spears, and NDOW’s wildlife health specialist, Dr. Nate LaHue, that it was in the animal’s best interest to be euthanized.
The bear was named Nugget.
“Since Friday, Nugget’s burns had taken a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, the necessary amputations would be so extensive that his general mobility would be impacted, affecting his ability to forage for food or climb trees. He is a wild animal, and this decision was made in his best interest,” Spears said.
According to Animal Ark’s director, Theresa Owens, “We gave our best efforts to rehabilitate him. He had a quiet, safe space in his den, food, water, pain medication and rubber mats to cushion his steps. There’s not much else that we could have done.”
“Although not the outcome we all wanted, this is preferable to allowing him to suffer for weeks in the wild.,” LaHue added.
The Davis Fire started at Davis Creek Regional Park in Washoe Valley on Sept. 7 and burned nearly 6,000 acres.
Source: NDOW
