An Australian Smokey Bear

Koala rescued in wildfire-scarred Australia: Firefighter: 'He kept reaching for the bottle, almost like a baby'

Okay, she's not really a bear, but Sam the koala, like many of her kind, was injured by the horrific fires sweeping through sweltering Australia. A firefighter noticed her walking on burnt paws and offered her some water. Koalas rarely drink, getting what they need from the leaves they chew, but she was in dire need. Koalas are particularly vulnerable in this situation because they are so slow on the ground.

She's been rescued and is expected to make a full recovery and be released back into the wild. [Oh, and the picture, although of a koala, is not of Sam, but was taken at the San Diego Zoo by photographer Sanjay ach, and appears as part of the Wikipedia Commons with free licensing given.]


Although the US Forest Service's own Smokey Bear (the 'the' in Smokey the Bear is actually wrong, having gained popularity from a song where an extra syllable was needed for rhythm) predates the living symbol, in 1950 a black bear cub was rescued in a New Mexico fire and later taken to the national zoo, where he lived until his death in 1976 (I remember when Smokey died.)

Here's to Sam and her good health. The article spoke of kangaroos running from flames on fire. It sounds horrible down there. My thoughts are with all the people, livestock, and wild animals affected by these fires, and may the temperatures and dry conditions break soon so these will come to an end.

UPDATE:

Millions of animals feared dead in Australia: Intensity of fires, and vast area covered, leave 'no doubt,' expert says

Many who survived the fire initially will slowly starve to death without food. Animal rescuers are doing what they can, but many of the animals are too far gone and must be euthanised to end their suffering. The death toll among humans may be as high as 200. It's an awful situation.

:(