Nevada Firefighters Risk Flames To Save A Bear Believed To Have No Chance
Not long ago, a destructive wildfire swept through the Washoe Valley. Called the Davis Fire, it scorched nearly 6,000 acres of Davis Creek Regional Park.
Pushed by powerful winds, the blaze threatened to grow even larger until firefighting crews came together to bring it under control.
The coordinated efforts of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, the U.S. Forest Service – Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Management, Nevada, were crucial in preventing the destruction from becoming even worse.
Still, the fire left behind heartbreaking damage.
According to Washoe County officials, 14 homes and several commercial buildings were destroyed, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.
Amid the devastation, a remarkable story of resilience and compassion surfaced – centered on a 25-year-old black bear.
In the smoky aftermath, a local resident noticed the badly injured bear lying still and quickly alerted the fire department.
When firefighters arrived, they found the animal alive but in critical condition, his fur scorched and his paws badly burned. Despite his suffering, the crew refused to leave him behind.
They quickly contacted the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), who rushed to the scene.
Together, the teams carefully transported the bear to the NDOW facility for emergency treatment. The staff affectionately named him Nugget, though officially he was identified as G51.
In an interview, an NDOW spokesperson described Nugget’s initial condition:
“Currently the Department’s veterinarian is assessing his health and has applied bandages to G51’s third-degree burns on his paws and has administered pain medication for pain management. The Nevada Department of Wildlife is incredibly concerned for the health of the bear and don’t know G51’s mobility and the severity of the burns.”
The spokesperson explained that, much like in humans, the true extent of burn injuries takes time to reveal.
While Nugget was stable, it was still too early to determine his long-term outcome. They added:
“Much like humans, it takes time to reveal how severe the burns are. The Nevada Wildlife Department is incredibly concerned with the health of G51, and we are ensuring that G51 has the proper care and that he is comfortable.”
After his initial treatment, Nugget was transported to Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Center, where he received specialized rehabilitation.
At the rescue center, he was carefully monitored, kept comfortable, and given the best chance to recover.
While the Davis Fire brought heavy losses to the community, there was comfort in knowing no human lives were lost.
Nugget’s journey is a powerful reminder of the courage and kindness shown by local residents and first responders.
In the midst of the disaster, they not only worked to protect people and homes but also gave an injured black bear the chance to keep fighting for his life.
