‘Remarkable’: Society credits quick healing of bear burned near Dawson Creek to salve

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Just over a month after being rescued, a black bear cub continues to make progress in her recovery, with her paws having fully healed with a little help from a wound-healing salve.

The black bear – who is named Valkyrie – was found badly burned in sub-zero temperatures in late December 2025, off 188 Road near Dawson Creek.

Valkyrie had received burns to her face and paws, possibly due to hibernating in a slash pile of wood – the practice of the deliberate burning of logging debris done in wintertime, according to Angelika Langen of the Northern Lights Wildlife Society.

The incident prompted conservationist group The Fur-Bearers to file a report with the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) for an investigation.

The BCCOS told Energeticcity.ca the case is under investigation.

After she was found, Valkyrie was transported to the society in Smithers, where just 47 days later, Langen – the society’s executive director and co-founder – tells Energeticcity.ca she is doing well.

“She’s got full use of her paws. She’s walking and standing normally,” said Langen. “She’s not favouring anything anymore. It’s just excellent. She has healed really well.”

Langen told Energeticcity.ca a “big thank you” goes to Calgary-based company NanoTess. NanoTess developed a cream called NanoSALV which accelerated the healing process.

“There was actually a doctor from a hospital in Alberta that also came on the call and then guided us on how to use the cream on the bear,” said Langen. “It healed a lot faster than what we have seen in previous burn injuries.”

A Facebook post from the society on January 29th called the bear’s transformation over the short space of time “remarkable.”

Langen also told Energeticcity.ca the bear has gained weight, going from 44 to 85 pounds, and has bonded with other rescue cubs. 

The society has plans to release the bear back near Dawson Creek in June.