The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW), along with the Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary and Nature Care, have announced that the Davis Bear’s condition worsened significantly since Friday, September 20. Consequently, it was decided by Animal Ark’s veterinarian, Dr. Lesli Spears, and NDOW’s Wildlife Health Specialist, Dr. Nate LaHue, that euthanasia was in the animal’s best interest.
“Since Friday, the Davis Bear’s burns had taken a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, the necessary amputations would be so extensive that his general mobility would be impacted from foraging for food or climbing trees. He is a wild animal, and this decision was made in his best interest to say goodbye,” said Dr. Spears.
According to Animal Ark’s Director, Theresa Owens, “We gave our best efforts to rehabilitate him. He had a quiet, safe space in his den, food, water, pain medication and rubber mats to cushion his steps. There’s not much else that we could have done.”
NDOW expressed gratitude for the citizen’s report and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District which allowed them to quickly tend to the Davis Bear’s burns and administer pain medication before ultimately deciding on humane euthanasia. Dr. LaHue stated, “The Davis Bear’s burns were so severe that we are glad to reduce his pain. Although not the outcome we all wanted, this is preferable to allowing him to suffer for weeks in the wild.”
The Davis Fire began at Davis Creek Regional Park in Washoe Valley on September 7 and has burned nearly 6,000 acres.
