UPDATE: Bear Rescued From East Canyon Fire is On the Mend

There's good news this morning from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Do you remember the bear suffering severe burns in the East Canyon Fire? He's doing well and is getting ready to be released back to the wild.

The yearling bear, rescued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, was spotted west of Durango near the East Canyon fire on June 16. Wildlife officers were able to successfully tranquilize the animal and treat its injuries. During the injury assessment, it appears that the bear's paws have been severely burned. The bear was then taken to the rehab facility in the San Luis Valley.

In mid-June, Colorado Parks and Wildlife posted on Facebook it would be six to eight weeks before the animal could be released. In the meantime, the bear was suffering from sore feet but was able to get around.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Durango released the following statement via their Facebook page:

We received great news from our rehabilitation facility! The bear that was rescued outside of the East Canyon Fire is doing very well and has even gained some weight. The bear is almost ready to have its bandages taken off and should be released in the coming weeks.

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