Watch CBS News

Orphaned cub burned in Idaho fire returns to the wild

Boo Boo the black bear has completely recovered from his burned paws
Boo Boo the black bear has completely recovered from his burned paws USDA Forest Service/KBOI,Karen Dunlap

MCCALL, Idaho An orphaned black bear cub that suffered second-degree burns on its paws during an August 2012 fire in eastern Idaho has been returned to the wild, healthy and 70 pounds heavier.

Officials with the Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary in McCall say the bear, dubbed "Boo Boo," was released into the forests of central Idaho on Wednesday.

Firefighters rescued the then-25-pound cub from a tree during the Mustang Fire near Salmon. The bear was initially treated at the Idaho Humane Society before being transferred to Snowdon.

CBS News affiliate KBOI reports the bear's paws were blistered with second-degree burns. A fire crew was unable to find the cub's mother.

Boo Boo was among 10 orphaned cubs being cared for at Snowdon.

Boo Boo was released with a GPS collar that will record his location over the next year, when it will fall off.

Boo Boo the black bear after he was rescued from an August 2012 forest fire in eastern Idaho
Boo Boo the black bear after he was rescued from an August 2012 forest fire in eastern Idaho Idaho Fish and Game/KBOI,Evin Oneale
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue