Wildlife officials say cub is gaining weight after receiving severe burns to her paws

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

An orphaned bear cub burned by a Colorado wildfire is healing and gaining weight.

Wildlife officials have said the bear no longer has to wear bandages on her feet, which were severely burned in a fire north of Durango in June.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest An orphaned bear cub burned by a wildfire has more than doubled in size to 26lb (12kg) and has left her cage to live in a pen with other cubs. Photograph: Joe Lewandowski/AP

The cub has more than doubled in size, to 26lb (12kg), since firefighters spotted her. She has left her cage to live in a pen with other cubs at a rehabilitation centre.

In a statement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, veterinary technician Michael Sirochman said the bear began pulling off her bandages about two weeks after she was rescued as she began to feel better.

Officials plan to return the cubs to the wild as they hibernate this winter, allowing them to wake up there in the spring.