Bear euthanized after being badly burned in Thomas Fire

A young male bear was euthanized by wildlife officials after it was found suffering from burns to its entire body.

The bear was found Wednesday off of Cisar Trail in the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai. The bear’s entire body was burned, presumably from the Thomas Fire.

The 40-pound bear was determined to be around seven or eight months old. California Department of Fish and Wildlife sent a veterinarian and a scientist to the bear’s location to tranquilize the bear and take it for treatment.

Officials say they did all that they could to save the bear’s life, but ultimately the decision was made to euthanize the bear to save it from further suffering.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife say this bear is the second or third animal to be found suffering from burns caused by the Thomas Fire. A juvenile mountain lion was found in the Santa Paula area in late December, that animal is recovering but will likely spend the rest of its life in captivity.

If you come across any injured or burned animals please call the CalTips hotline at 1-888-334-CalTIP.