A baby bear caught in a forest fire has been saved. Li’l Smokey, a baby black bear cub, was rescued by fire fighters while fleeing a Shasta-Trinity National Forest wildfire, in northern California , in July. Suffering second and third degree burns, Li’l Smokey was taken to the nearby Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care Center for rehabilitation. Weighing just 8.5lbs, the six-month-old cub, who was named by the fire fighter who rescued him, was given little chance of survival. However, thanks to the care and attention of the workers at the center – and some unusual bandages and bear booties – Li’l Smokey is on the road to recovery. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT.

 KURT KAMM