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Valkyrie, the badly burned black bear cub found on a highway near Dawson Creek, B.C., shortly before Christmas has made “remarkable” progress, according to the wildlife rescue facility caring for her.

The update comes as Northern Lights Wildlife Society prepares to welcome another rescued bear cub into its Smithers-area facility.

The organization provided updates on the two cases on its Facebook page this week.

“Valkyrie’s transformation over 39 days has been remarkable, progressing from a state of despair and injury to strength and confidence,” the first post reads.

“Thanks to dedicated medical care and community support, Valkyrie is now bandage-free, able to stand on both front legs, and is soon to join the other cubs.”

The cub was rescued by volunteers in Dawson Creek on Dec. 20. Initially, the organization thought she was freezing to death in the -34 C cold.

On closer inspection, however, her injuries were determined not to be frostbite, as had been expected, but severe burns.

Angelika Langen, co-founder and director of Northern Lights, told CTV News last month that the cub—and probably its mother, as well—had found shelter underneath a logging operation’s “burn pile,” only to have their hibernation den set on fire above them.

She said logging operations, whether private or commercial, often leave such large piles of wood in heaps, then burn them when needed. Valkyrie’s case is not the first time Langen has seen this outcome.

Written By Ian Holiday, CTV News

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