Officials are asking for the public's help in tracking down an injured bear cub that's escaped a Lake Tahoe wildlife enclosure where he was being treated for burns from a Sierra wildfire.
In a post to Facebook on Tuesday, officials said "Tamarack" – named after the fire that's burned through the Sierra south of the lake and into Nevada – "is not in immediate danger and is not a threat, but we need to locate him as soon as possible." They're asking anyone near South Lake Tahoe, specifically Black Bart, Heavenly Valley and Sierra Tract, to be "on the lookout."
He "managed to tunnel under an electric fence," officials added.
"Tamarack" is described as a small brown bear cub and about 25 pounds.
He might have bandages on his front paws.
A Markleeville homeowner first spotted the cub walking on its elbows because of the burns on its paws, the center's animal care director said. Doctors had opted to wait to go through with a Tilapia skin grafting procedure until the animal's wounds further heal.
Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care officials had planned to keep "Tamarack" through winter and release him in the spring.
"He is likely to be active in the evening and nighttime hours, so please slow down when driving and make sure your dogs are not unaccompanied," the post explained. The cub is thought to be in a tree or hiding in a small space.
Officials are asking people not to approach him, but to keep visual contact.
Anyone with information is asked to call 530-577-2273.
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