The story of the bear cub, rescued and sent to the Northern Lights Wildlife Society after being hit by a car between Kimberley and Marysville has come to a sad end.
The bear had to be euthanized after it was discovered that his injuries were severe.
The bear was rescued by two local sisters, Stephanie and Manuela Hirn, when he was found on the highway last Thursday.
Stephanie told the Bulletin that she received word from the Wildlife Society on Thursday, August 14.
“Unfortunately this story turned sad. Here is what the Northern Lights Wildlife Society said:
“The beautiful little bear that arrived here yesterday from Cranbrook had to be euthanized.
“My heart is in pieces knowing what pain he must have endured. His right leg was shattered at the elbow destroying his growth plates. His upper jaw was badly fractured and he lost all his front teeth. As this was also a yearling and not a cub of the year, that meant he lost his permanent teeth. We all agreed that these injuries would not allow a return to the wild and even a life in human care would mean a life in pain and subsequently decided to let him go.
“Still, trying to rescue him was the right choice, as left in the wild he would have died a long painful death of infection and starvation. Thanks to all that cared enough not to let that happen.”
Stephanie says that all the funds raised so far for the bear’s care will still go to the Wildlife Society to help then with their animal rescue work.