ICYMI: Baby Bear Rescued From Wildfire Thriving

TAMPA, FL — The tiny bear cub rescued from a Lake County wildfire in April is thriving in his recovery at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.

Smokey Junior arrived at the Tampa zoo a few days after his April 7 ordeal, weighing in at only 6 pounds. Now estimated to be about 12 weeks old, he weighs 15 pounds, zoo officials reported Thursday.

“Smokey Junior is stable and strong,” an email from Rachel Nelson, zoo spokeswoman, to media said. “He has a healthy appetite which has consisted of a milk-based formula, rice cereal and the introduction of blueberries and strawberries.”

Smokey Junior was rescued by Lake County Fire Rescue crews when a wildfire broke out and threatened his home. The bear cub suffered minor burns and some hair loss, but was in fairly good shape considering the circumstances, officials reported at the time.

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Smokey was taken from Lake County Fire Rescue officials by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission following his rescue. That rescue made headlines across the state as a search for the little cub’s mother also kicked off with FWC promising the little guy would go to a care facility for rehabilitation in the meantime.

Smokey Junior was ultimately brought to Tampa for care. He’s not on display at the zoo since the goal is to release him back into the wild.

“The Zoo is rearing the young cub using FWC protocols, as it has for numerous others, with the goal of reintroduction to wild habitat,” Nelson said.

The likelihood of that goal materializing remains strong, she added.

“Veterinary team members report his demeanor and behaviors are consistent with that of a wild bear -- he will avoid people where possible and when approached (for weight checks) he will snarl,” Nelson said.

Just where Smokey Junior will end up remains unclear. Nelson said FWC will make the final decision, but he will likely move to another facility soon for a hoped release later this year.

The search for his mother has been unsuccessful.

Photo courtesy of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo