Vets volunteer to care for burned bear

Veterinary hospitals across southwestern Idaho are volunteering to care for a black bear cub rescued from a wildfire in eastern Idaho.

The bear nicknamed “Boo Boo” needs daily care for second-degree burns on all four paws.

State wildlife officials told the Idaho Statesman they hope to select a facility soon.

Boo Boo was discovered Sunday night clinging to a tree in a region scorched by the Mustang Complex Fire, a massive wildfire near Salmon. Officials say efforts to find the mother were unsuccessful and the cub likely hadn’t eaten for at least four days.

Boo Boo’s story is similar to the tale of Smokey Bear, a cub that became a national symbol for fire prevention after he was found in a burned tree taking refuge from a New Mexico blaze in 1950.

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Information from: Idaho Statesman, http://www.idahostatesman.com