UPDATE: AUGUST 16
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care in South Lake Tahoe say they have may have spotted the six-month-old bear cub that was burned in the Tamarack fire.
Aptly named Tamarack, the burned bear cub managed to dig under the electric fence and escape a few days after he was brought in for medical treatment.
Staff from both California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care responded Saturday to the bear's reported location. The bear had a dark marking on its head, which resembled Tamarack, and was roughly the right size. No bandages were observed.
Staff say they watched the bear from a distance while it climbed 30 feet higher into the tree in which they first spotted it. They add the bear was behaving as a wild and healthy bear should. They say they decided not to disturb the bear and leave it in the wild.
While they say cannot be certain this was the escaped bear, staff feel strongly that it was him and are no longer asking the community to be on the lookout for the bear.
Residents and visitors to the South Lake Tahoe area should always be aware of bear activity in their neighborhood. Report any abnormal bear behavior to CDFW’s Wildlife Incident Reporting system at (916) 358-2900.
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UPDATE: AUGUST 9
Tamarack, the black bear cub that escaped the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care facility earlier this week, has been spotted by hikers in the South Lake Tahoe area.
A photo posted to the facility's Facebook page shows the six-month-old high up in a tree wearing bandages on his paws.
"We are purposely not disclosing his specific location as human traffic will scare him into hiding or fleeing the area.
"If you see him, please stay within visual contact but do not approach. This is critical. If possible, maintain visual contact and do not leave the area. Call LTWC immediately at (530) 577- 2273 so that we can respond. This sighting is very encouraging news but he is still too small to survive long term in the wild."
According to Wildlife Care, Tamarack escaped the enclosure by tunneling under an electric fence. They don't believe he's in imminent danger, nor is he a threat. They are asking anyone who sees him to notify Nevada Department of Wildlife right away.
There is a hotline set up for sightings or tips at (530) 577-2273.
They believe he is close by, within 3 miles of the facility, possibly near Black Bart, Heavenly, and Sierra Tract. He may be likely hiding in a tree or other small space.
If seen, they ask you to not approach as he is afraid of humans and may hide. They also ask people not to go out searching for him, only call if you happen to see him.
Original story below:
A burned bear cub aptly named Tamarack is now recovering at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care after being rescued Sunday night.
Authorities say a Markleeville resident alerted Alpine County about the burned black bear cub, in their yard.
After catching and sedating it, authorities found out that the 21-pound male cub had burns on all four paws.
Tamarack was taken to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care campus in South Lake Tahoe, where he is being treated by Dr. Sheets. Sheets gave Tamarack pain medications and fluids, and the bear's paws were treated with Manuka honey.
"The cub is now resting comfortably at the LTWC Lisa Maloff Bear Cub Rehabilitation Center," officials wrote.
Officials say the cub will undergo tilapia skin graft treatment Tuesday.
“Luck is on this guy’s side, as we were the only homeowners allowed back in the area” say the homeowners who discovered the injured cub.
Residents are encouraged to call Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care at 530-577-2273 or the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at 916-445-0411 if they find injured wildlife.
If you want to help support the care of cubs like Tamarack and other wildlife, you can donate to the LTWC here.
Get Tamarack Fire updates here: Tamarack Fire South Of Gardnerville Fully Contained at 68,637 Acres
