Firefighter rescues tiny injured bear from Moon Fire

[XemaSab]

Source: Redding Penlight

A little bundle of frightened and singed fur, dubbed Smokey Jr., was rescued this morning from the hot ashes of the Moon Fire.

A 15-pound badly dehydrated bear cub was suffering serious burns to all four paws and crying for its missing mother, when it was found late Thursday morning by a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection firefighter.

The cub, which also had an eye injury, has been taken to a wildlife rescue shelter in Rancho Cordova where it is hoped it will be nursed back to health.

Doug Lannon, a Cal Fire battalion chief and public information officer for the Shasta-Trinity Lightning Complex, said that field observer Adam Deem, 32, of Anderson, came across the cub while scouting the northwest flank of the Moon Fire in the Grass Valley Creek area near the Buckhorn Summit.

Read more: http://www.redding.com/news/2008/jul/17/firefighter-rescues-tiny-injured-bear-moon-fire/

---

Awwww!

(And yeah, the guy who rescued the bear did have to go in for rabies shots. :P )

[galledgoblin]

1. poor lil' fella :(

hope the shelter can take care of him.

[Maddy McCall]

2. That's how Smokey the Bear came to be a park ranger.

He was saved by firefighters in a forest fire...he had burns on his paws, too.

http://www.smokeybear.com/vault/story_main.asp

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. No wonder everyone says "smokey THE Bear" rather than "Smokey Bear". This darn song

[wpelb]

57. "Smokey Bear" or "Smokey the Bear"?

Isn't the phrase "Smokey Bear" used mainly by truckers on their CB radios when informing each other of where the highway patrol is lurking?

[Wabbajack_]

18. Neat

Maybe Smokey 2 will inspire some innovative new fire-fighting techniques.

[AnneD]

41. Spent several years living in New Mexico....

near Capitan, home of the original Smokey the Bear. Even after all those years (and Smokey had a long life) he was beloved up there. He was a great PR representative for ecological stewardship, Oh, thanks for the ear worm, I'll have that tune stuck in my head all day now.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

77. I saw the original Smokey

I saw Smokey the Bear at the National Zoo about 1974. I had only been in this country a little while and didn't know at the time he was so famous.

[fortyfeetunder]

3. Hero for today

I am so touched by that story.
Glad the little guy was rescued.
Hope his mama is OK. She probably ran scared of the fire.

[WheelWalker]

4. It's not easy being brown.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Submariner]

7. We don't lower ourselves to use Rush Dumbaugh/Sean Hannity talking points

here at DU. You shouldn't cite those ignorant idiots either unless you're looking to get TS'ed.

Using bogus BS from the rightwing moonbats doesn't cut it here.

[Renew Deal]

21. How there's a deleted message in this thread, I don't understand.

What exactly is controversial here? :crazy:

[Submariner]

22. The troll who posted

stated some freeper talking points about how Al Gore uses more fuel in house than others, flies in private jets, etc, yada yada yada... The troll appears to be tombstoned already.

[Renew Deal]

23. Couldn't he started an OP for this?

Moran. :D

[Sanity Claws]

8. Republicans are the ones who label everyone and

everything as terrorists.
Did you get lost on your way to Freep?

[liberal1973]

10. Hey I see you get around

How come right wingers like you are lowlifes? just asking. I bet you're like that idiot who put up the billboard sign in Florida.

[skyounkin]

9. I hope the story has a happy ending

[liberalla]

11. awwwww, poor baby!

from link:

"Deem is a forester for Cal Fire’s California Northern Region Office,

“He was tottering down the trail,” said Deem, who initially pulled out his camera to photograph the six to eight-week-old bear cub.

But then Deem noticed that the little bear was hurt.

“The bear lifted its paw and held it” in the air. It was then that Deem saw the red, raw pads of its paw.

Deem searched the area for the cub’s missing mother, but couldn’t find her. Eventually he as able to grab the scared and injured cub, though he scratched his hands as he tracked it through heavy brush.

After wrapping the bear in his fire-fighting jacket, Deem said he cradled it in his arms as he drove his pickup to a fire-fighting staging area. From there he and the cub were driven to a Fire Incident Command Center at the Shasta District Fair grounds in Anderson."

Props to Forester Deem for his rescue! That little cub is one lucky bear.

[FSogol]

12. Great story. K&R n/t

[EV_Ares]

13. Thank you so much for posting this story. It is stories like these that helps for me

to keep some faith in our fellow man. Compassion seems so much of the time to be lacking in our society anymore, even on this board. This story shows that it still exists as when you read the story about how the fireman and the cub bonded, how he said the rabies shots were worth it. How he risked danger by looking for the mother.

I am sure there are so many animals that perished along with the homes that were lost, people injured along with just the devastation of the forests in CA. This story at least gave us a little bit of good news out of all the bad. Hope the cub does ok.

[Greylyn58]

14. Poor little guy

Hope the cub survives. It was very lucky to have been found in all that mess. Poor baby!

[Historic NY]

15. Good for them both......poor little guy.

[a la izquierda]

16. what an angel!

both the fireman and the baby bear. that made my day.

[Botany]

17. Save the Bay Airs!

[Dorian Gray]

48. Too cute!

I love that picture.

This story was a nice heart-warming story for Sunday morning! I hope the bear cub is okay!

[Gman]

19. Awwwww...

[Highway61]

20. Great story

now and again it is stories like this that renew my faith that there is hope after all.

[alphafem1969]

24. Thanks

I know Adam appreciates your well wishes and kudos. I will pass on your kind words to him when he gets home. He loves the forests and he loves animals.

Adam's older Sister :)

PS -- hope this doesn't shatter any paradigms, but Adam is a Republican ;) and a real sweet big hearted guy. Here is some video of him on NBC

http://www.knvn.com/content/topstories/story.aspx?content_id=d8480f90-c922-45d7-a8e2-a1545c7c2ff4

[petronius]

25. This is a great story! Hope the cub gets well,

and the rest of the rabies shots don't hurt too badly. Adam did an excellent thing, here...

As for being a Republican, we all know what they say about broken clocks, right? ;)

Welcome to DU!

[bean fidhleir]

26. An old-style Republican, I bet - they're admirable even when wrong

And your bro's concern for one small orphaned bear is admirable, if anything ever is. Please tell him "thanks!".

[AnneD]

42. Nothing wrong with old school republicans....

they were some of the first environmentalists, staunch believers in avoiding foreign entanglements, and firm believers in individual rights and states rights over government rights. Sounds like modern democrats to me.

[XemaSab]

27. Awesome!

Thanks for posting here! :hi:

(And hopefully you'll stick around!)

[alphafem1969]

29. Could you lend me a hand?

I can't post a topic because I haven't been around long enough, and won't be -- too busy with seven year old twin boys and gave up all my fierce political inclinations long back lol, too busy just trying to love people and politics makes it almost impossible to see the person through the views for me. So I kicked the habit and my blood pressure went waaay down.

However, I just got off the phone with the people who are taking in Lil Smokey (which is what Adam calls the cub), and raising this bear is expensive business. If you could post it somewhere that Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, Inc will be rehabilitating this bear to rerelease into the wild? They need funding, as raising bears is expensive work. Anyway, their website is www.ltwc.org and they take paypal and such and they would appreciate support. They told me they will have news up about the cub tonight, or by latest tomorrow morning.

I am posting this in a number of different places and I know Adam would really appreciate your support. These people do great work. Thanks!

[XemaSab]

30. I can totally do that!

I'm sure people here will be happy to help!

[XemaSab]

31. Here are the links:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3641169

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x7933409

Glad to help in any way I can!

[alphafem1969]

33. I so appreciate it!

Thanks so much :)

[XemaSab]

34. You're more than welcome!

:D

[Maat]

36. Thank your brother for us!

We'll make a donation as soon as we can.

Meanwhile, both your brother and the bear baby will be in our family's thoughts and prayers.

[a la izquierda]

35. Not all Republicans...

are heartless, soulless creeps. Kudos to your brother. I will donate what I can tonight. My husband and I are animal lovers; we take in the worst case dogs, even if it means we don't eat well. I can't stand to see animals suffer.

[alphafem1969]

37. Most aren't

The problem comes when we reduce each other down to politics, we become inhuman to each other and it becomes easy to hate. I see it on both sides, which is why I stopped drinking any flavor of Koolaid years ago. I know that I was put on this earth to love people and to steward the earth that was given us, and I can't do that if I use my opinions as a basis of judging people. :)

I will pass on your kudos to my brother.

[Booster]

38. I've got to become more like you. Politics is really getting to me

and I do have high blood pressure. Please tell your brother there are no words to thank him for what he did and for the work he does. It takes a special kind of person to fight fires and he could just have walked away from that little bear, but he didn't. You both sound like really good people but you sure don't sound like Republicans. haha
Tell your brother I love him.:hug:

[alphafem1969]

39. haha

I will, he will truly appreciate it :pals:

[alphafem1969]

46. Big Update!

Here's a nice "kick" for you. Looks like we may get some funding for this little guy and the others out of this! The Ellen show has been contacted and he was on FoxNews last night -- no jabs, this is about the bear ;) and it was the only one of the big three that I could figure out how to submit the story to :( Adam sends his best, but he, like all the firefighters, is exhausted. They appreciate your support and prayers.

Here's the best, new pics of his looking great. Evidenly HE (found that out yesterday) is a black bear, just like the original Smokey. They are having website issues, but it's worth it to see him looking so much better!

http://www.ltwc.org/images/LilSmokeyGallery/index.htm

Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bearcub20-2008jul20,0,2223569.story



SF Chronicle

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/19/BAP711S6TU.DTL&feed=rss.bayarea



Arts&Entertainment

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Arts-Entertainment/Firefighter-saves-burned-bear-cub-from-CA-Wildfire/1216518704.html

Thanks for all your support!

[bean fidhleir]

49. Thanks again, VERY much, for the continued update

Good if the support comes through from your story on Fox. I'm sure the rehab center needs every penny they can get.

And I hope your brother pays no attention to those cited "colleagues" of his (if they even exist) who think he was wrong to have saved the bear-child. If Adam's membership card in the human race wasn't already gold, it got upgraded that day.

[alphafem1969]

50. lol

This is the first I have heard of it (but my own experiences with media are why I take everything they write -- about everybody -- with a grain of salt, if that -- always get misquoted *grumble*), and you have to know him, once he makes up his mind that something needs doing he doesn't listen to anyone! lol Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care is having some sort of open house in a few months and Adam hopes to be able to watch Lil Smokey over their video cameras, of course, Adam can never interact with him again if he is going to be successfully released into the wild.

Funny story, Celeste (his wife) was telling him to come on to all of the forums (lots of local chatter about it) and read and he was saying he didn't want to read any critiques. She said, "ADAM, no one is criticizing you, everyone thinks you are a hero," and then he got super embarassed and really didn't want to read it. So she read it all to him, much to his chagrin.

[bean fidhleir]

51. LOL Good for Celeste!

He *needs* to hear about it! I just hope all the hoopla doesn't put him off ever doing it again (only joking - I'm sure it wouldn't)

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

63. Firefighter is the most awesome profession there is. Saving lives gets you so much karma credit...

...you can actually afford being a Republican!

:yourock:

[alphafem1969]

78. New Update

Just wanted to let ya'll know that Lil Smokey now weighs 16 lbs and is doing great.

Adam will be on the CBS evening news tonight, with Lil Smokey (I think) and Adam has been named ASPCA's Firefighter of the year and they will be flying Adam and Celeste to New York for an awards ceremony, pretty cool :)

[eowyn_of_rohan]

80. I check the LTWC site every couple days to read about Lil Smokey's progress

Also sent a donation to the center. Wouldn't have happened without you and your brother. Looking forward to seeing the video! Cheers!

[nam78_two]

73. He seems like a very nice person

I wish you both well :hi:.

[JNelson6563]

79. Bravo!

Your brother is proof there are some decent human beings on "the other side". Loved the video. As an older sister, I can imagine how you must feel.

:applause: :toast:

Julie

[The Stranger]

28. May whatever gods there be be with the little guy.

[applegrove]

32. Poor little cub. Glad he was saved.

[alphafem1969]

40. Here's an update!

http://www.redding.com/news/2008/jul/19/lil-smokey-treated-at-animal-center-in-south/

Better news than I had expected!

[bean fidhleir]

43. Thank you for the update

It makes it sound as though Smokey's left eye is going to be okay, which didn't look possible in yesterday's photos. I hope the implication is accurate.

Isn't it funny how little difference there is, really, between children of most species? I was looking at the photo and thinking that the child your brother is holding could just as well have been a human - I'm sure he'd have given the same gentle care and reassurance regardless of species.

[alphafem1969]

44. Thanks, he's a keeper!

Too bad he isn't a daddy yet, maybe someday, he'd be awesome. It reminds me of when he was holding my boys when they were infants. He's a gentle giant :) Big heads, big adorable eyes, little tiny bodies -- the only thing that keeps them alive when we are sleep deprived and they are screaming ;)

And yes, the eye was cut, not burned. Adam thought he was going to lose his eye, but it was just that it was hard to see with all the charring and the blood.

[fortyfeetunder]

45. Thanks for sharing!

I've been following this story (because as a kid I did see the first Smokey Bear) and send my kudos to your brother. He is a grade-A hero!

[alphafem1969]

47. Big Update -- (replied in the wrong place last time oops!)

Here's a nice "kick" for you. Looks like we may get some funding for this little guy and the others out of this! The Ellen show has been contacted and he was on FoxNews last night -- no jabs, this is about the bear and it was the only one of the big three that I could figure out how to submit the story to Adam sends his best, but he, like all the firefighters, is exhausted. They appreciate your support and prayers.

Here's the best, new pics of his looking great. Evidenly HE (found that out yesterday) is a black bear, just like the original Smokey. They are having website issues, but it's worth it to see him looking so much better!

http://www.ltwc.org/images/LilSmokeyGallery/index.htm

Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bearcub20-2008j...



SF Chronicle

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/0...



Arts&Entertainment

http://www.necn.com/Boston/Arts-Entertainment/Firefight...

Thanks for all your support!

[alphafem1969]

52. Lil Smokey not eating :(

Prayers would be good

[bean fidhleir]

53. oh dear

[eowyn_of_rohan]

55. HE NEEDS YOUR BROTHER!

His being released into the wild may not happen anyway, due to the severity of his burns. Why don't they let your brother go visit him? The little guy needs love, and your brother is probably the only one who he feels safe with. Maybe regular visits would cheer him up!

[alphafem1969]

59. Yeah, I think he is going to have to be in captivity

But that is just my opinion, me knowing absolutely nothing about such things. I think they are hoping for the best and doing what they know how to do and are focused on doing. If it looks like those nails won't grow back, then I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up at the National Zoo, where Smokey Bear spent his life.

Adam would love to see him, but really wants him to have a normal shot at life.

Me? If I had him I'd be snuggling him up!

Update video posted at the end of this thread :)

[ItNerd4life]

54. Moon Fire? Isn't that a Druid spell in WOW?

Why are Druids trying to hurt bears?

[eowyn_of_rohan]

56. Kick for Li'l Smokey

[alphafem1969]

58. Eating again

Hey, things are looking up as the little guy is regaining his appetite. They aren't sure what was wrong, here is Adam talking about it on Foxnews yesterday http://video. yahoo.com/ network/10000005 4?v=3149799&n=100000054&l=3434132

Sorry I didn't update yesterday, one of my 7 year old twins broke his leg :( so I was a bit preoccupied with carrying the big 50 lb lug up and down the stairs....

[eowyn_of_rohan]

60. Wow - that's GREAT news

But so sorry your son broke his leg!

I can't get this link to work, but I will try to find the video on Fox news (while holding my nose ;) I don't go there often)

Prayers for the little bear AND your little boy

[alphafem1969]

62. Sorry, redoing the link... wierd

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000054?v=3149799&n=100000054&l=3434132

[eowyn_of_rohan]

65. Update: "Li'l Smokey Expected To Fully Recover"!!

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (CBS13) ― The condition of "Li'l Smokey," a black bear cub rescued by a firefighter while fleeing a Northern California wildfire, is improving. Center officials say that Li'l Smokey has no infections and a good appetite and has gained three pounds while at the center.
...He is expected to make a full recovery.


http://cbs13.com/local/lil.smokey.care.2.779526.htmlO8)

[alphafem1969]

71. rofl beat me to it :D

CBS has offered to fly Adam and Celeste down to Lake Tahoe so he can be at the center for a vet visit and Adam is very excited to see him again.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

75. yippeeee!!

Please tell us when this will air - if you find out - I would love to see this reunion on TV! Hope the little bear realizes who he is and doesn't bite him! lol.

[alphafem1969]

69. Thanks and update

He'll be fine, but it broke almost clear through his right tibia

Now he weighs 60 lbs with his full leg cast!

But on the good side, Lil Smokey put on 3 1/2 lbs this week, yeah!

[Mind_your_head]

72. Wishing a full recovery for your son..... AND

Welcome to DU! :-)

:hi:

[bean fidhleir]

67. I hope your son's leg-break was just a green-stick break and not something serious!

Poor kid - and poor you! - this is the wrong time of the year for a broken leg, especially for a 7yo.




Wonderful news about Smokey, though! I was trying not to be worried, but wasn't succeeding.

[alphafem1969]

70. Broke the tibia almost clear through!

But he will be find, thanks.

lil Smokey put on 3 1/2 lbs this week!

[bean fidhleir]

76. I'm glad it wasn't a bad break -just an impressive one!

Though the full-leg cast must be miserable for both you and him. Hopefully he'll have it off before summer goes away.

[nam78_two]

74. I hope your son is doing well

I will donate at the link you provided-thanks for giving us updates :hi:.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

61. Here's to Mr Deen!

:toast:

[bean fidhleir]

68. Right on!

:toast:

[MellowDem]

64. They just found a cub near where I live

chained up in a backyard. Someone was trying to keep it as a pet! I guess they decided to abandon it before it got too big for them to control.

[superconnected]

66. Best wishes to the bear cub, and to the fire fighter, THANKS!!!