Bear burned in Tamarack Fire rehabbing at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - A bear cub found burned at a Markeleeville home is now at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care getting the help he needs. On Sunday, July 25 at approximately 7:30 p.m., LTWC received a call from a homeowner who had just received permission to return to their property in the middle of the Tamarack Fire. They had returned home and found the burned cub in their yard.

It was dark when rescuers arrived, and even with his extensive burns the cub still tried to flee. After a short chase the LTWC team was able to subdue the bear cub and sedate him. He was transported to the South Lake Tahoe animal care facility and examined by Dr. Sheets. The cub, who is now named "Tamarack" is about six months old and weighed 21 pounds.

Dr. Sheets treated the cub's severely burned paws with Manuka honey along with administering pain medications and fluids. The honey will assist in the healing process.

Tamarack is now resting comfortably at the LTWC Lisa Maloff Bear Cub Rehabilitation Center. LTWC has been fielding calls from media around the county and beyond about "Tamarack" and her upcoming recovery.

His injuries will be reevaluated later today, at which time future treatments will be determined. Dr. Brandon Munk from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife and Dr. Jamie Peyton from UC Davis will confer about possibly using the innovative tilapia fish skin treatment, which has been successfully used by LTWC (with the guidance of Dr. Peyton) on Cinder, a previous bear cub burn victim.

LTWC hopes for a full recovery and release of “Tamarack” back to the wild.

“Luck is on this guy’s side, as we were the only homeowners allowed back in the area,” said the family who discovered the injured cub.

The rescue of our local wildlife is no easy task and we appreciate the service of the Tamarack Fire Incident Command, the homeowners, LTWC staff and volunteers, said the nonprofit in a statement. Donations are appreciated and greatly needed - https://ltwc.org/donate/.

Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, founded in 1978, seeks to protect and keep wildlife wild and healthy. Through their mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned and injured animals, LTWC has successfully released more than 18,000 animals back into the wild with the support of Wildlife Heroes. They are one of only three Black bear rehabilitation centers in California. LTWC is a recognized charitable non-profit Tax/Federal ID (94-2799765) with 501(c)(3) status. They partner with learning institutions to use the most up-to-date technology and animal care practices in the rehabilitation of the animals and birds in our care.

Learn more about Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care and how to get involved at LTWC.org.