FOX31 Denver

Bear cub burned by Colorado wildfire healing, gaining weight

(Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

DENVER — An orphaned bear cub that was burned by a wildfire in Colorado is healing and gaining weight.

Wildlife officials said Friday that the bear no longer has to wear bandages on her feet, which were severely burned by the 416 Fire north of Durango. The cub has more than doubled in size to 26 pounds since being spotted by firefighters and has left her cage to live in a pen with other cubs at a rehabilitation center.

In a statement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, veterinary technician Michael Sirochman said the bear began pulling off her bandages about two weeks after she was rescued as she began to feel better.

Officials plan to move the cubs to the wild as they hibernate this winter, allowing them to wake up there in the spring.

(Photo: Colorado Parks and Wildlife)