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Lil' Smokey's Journey

Lil' Smokey, a frightened, singed and badly dehydrated bear cub, was saved from the hot ashes of the Moon Fire late Thursday morning, July 17, 2008 by Firefighter Adam Deem.

The 8.5-pound animal was suffering from serious burns to all four paws and crying for its missing mother. The cub, which also had an eye injury, was taken to a wildlife rescue shelter in Rancho Cordova, then taken to Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care in South Lake Tahoe.

Thus is the beginning of the incredible and heart warming 7 month journey of a baby bear name Li'l Smokey who has captured the hearts of the country and taught all of us a little about love and compassion.

The following pages are tributes to the wonderful group of animal lovers who have prayed for his recovery, watched as he grew stronger and smarter, and who collectively held their breath and cried the day he was returned to his rightful home, the wild. Our tears were filled with joy and happiness because he was finally free and sadness and worry because even though he is where he belongs, we have watched him daily (on his webcam) and he has become a part of all of us.

There is only one thing left for us to say now that his journey has entered the next chapter...

"Welcome home Lil' Smokey. Welcome Home."

© Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center

Thank you Lake Tahoe Wildlife Center for all that you did for Smokey

and the rest of the animals. You are Angels on Earth.

Keep track of the weather that Smokey is sleeping through!

Mount Shasta, CA
Updated Tuesday, February 09, 2010 2:13 AM