Do you remember the bear that received serious burns two months ago in the East Canyon Fire near Durango, Colorado? After two months of tender loving care, the bear has been released back to the wild.

The yearling bear, rescued by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, was spotted west of Durango near the East Canyon fire on June 16, 2020. Wildlife officers were able to successfully tranquilize the animal and treat its injuries. During the injury assessment, it appears that the bear's paws have been severely burned. The bear was then taken to the rehab facility in the San Luis Valley.

According to KDVR, officers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife took the bear "home" yesterday, August 24, and released it into the forest.

In a Facebook post back in mid-June, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials estimated it would be six to eight weeks before the bear could be released back to its native habitat. It seems their estimate was right on the mark.

KDVR reports the bear weighed in at 43 pounds upon arrival at the rehab facility. At the time of his release, he had achieved a weight of 110 pounds.

“Now he’s got food, he’s got water, he’s got everything he needs, and I hope I never see him again.” - Wildlife Officer Steve McClung via KDVR

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