A young black bear cub, which suffered severe burns in December, is on the road to recovery at a sanctuary in Smithers, B.C., where it will eventually join other bears. The bear was injured while hibernating in a slash pile near Dawson Creek, sustaining burns on its face, feet, and back. The Northern Lights Wildlife Society responded to the bear cub’s distress and took it under their care on December 20. Named Valkyrie, the cub is making progress in its treatment, though it will require several more weeks of care. While Valkyrie’s facial burns are healing well, the burns on its paws are being treated with bandages and creams to aid in the healing process and prevent infections, according to Angelika Langen, the manager and co-founder of the sanctuary.
Valkyrie, born in early 2025, will gradually be introduced to the sanctuary’s other bears and could potentially be released back into the wild by June. The bear was discovered by volunteers curled up on a road in Dawson Creek, prompting the society’s intervention due to its poor condition. Initially suspected to be suffering from hypothermia, a subsequent examination revealed the bear’s burns. Transported from Prince George to Smithers after being warmed up, the cub underwent a nine-hour journey. Langen explained that it is common for hibernating bears to seek shelter in piles of vegetation debris, which are later set ablaze, inadvertently endangering the animals. Valkyrie’s survival was deemed miraculous, given the subzero temperatures that followed its rescue. Langen stressed that the cub’s chances of survival were slim had it not been found promptly.