Black bear cub siblings near Chase to be reunited, recovering from wildfire injuries

With the support of the Skwlax te Secwepemcúl̓ecw (Little Shuswap Lake Band), conservation officers safely captured another black bear cub in the First Nation community near Chase.

The Conservation Officer Service (COS) posted on Facebook Saturday that the cub had been rescued near the same location where its sibling was rescued by officers last week.

An ongoing COS investigation has determined a sow with three cubs was spotted in the area before wildfires sparked. The first cub was discovered with wildfire-related injuries in the Shuswap area. Despite the burns to its paws, officers state it’s expected to make a full recovery.

“Although unfortunate the cub was orphaned, its survival is welcome news for the Secwepemc community and conservation officers, who have been dealing with wildlife injured by wildfires,” officers said of the first cub rescued.

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The cubs’ third sibling had to be put down due to severe fire-related injuries and the mother is believed to have died in the fires.

The area’s Bush Creek East wildfire was first discovered on July 12 and has damaged at least 170 properties. It has forced evacuations in places such as Chase, Turtle Valley, and Sorrento. It continues to be classified as out of control and was estimated at approximately 43,000 hectares on Aug. 31.

The conservation service reports the newly rescued cub will be taken to Northern Lights Wildlife Society to be reunited with its sibling.

“The COS would like to again thank Skwlax te Secwepemcúl̓ecw Kúkpi7 James Tomma and his community for their prompt reporting and co-operation that led to another successful bear cub rescue,” officers wrote in the Facebook post.