Valkyrie Bear Cub Rises from B.C. Fire

In December 2025, a black bear cub, 3–6 months old, was discovered in a slash‑pile fire near Dawson Creek, B.C., suffering severe burns on its feet, face and back. The cub, named Valkyrie, was rescued Dec. 20 by volunteers from the Northern Lights Wildlife Society and transported across a nine‑hour route to the sanctuary in Smithers, where Angelika Langen manages its care. Veterinary staff bandaged the burned paws with creams and duct tape to prevent infection, while the cub’s face heals under close monitoring. Temperatures dropped from –24 °C to –34 °C after rescue. Recovery is expected to last several weeks, with a release back into the wild tentatively scheduled for June. The story, reported by CBC News, highlights the resilience of wildlife and the importance of rapid response teams.