A bear cub that was rescued during a Lake County wildfire back in April has recovered and was released back into the wild Dec. 12, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Wednesday.

  • Smokey Jr. rescued during April brush fire in Lake County
  • The bear was taken to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo to recover
  • Smokey Jr. now 10 months old, weighs 100 pounds

The bear, named Smokey Jr., was found in the April 7 brush fire that burned more than 140 acres near State Road 44 and Royal Trails Road.

Smokey Jr. was eventually taken to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo to continue his recovery.

The bear cub was 6 pounds when it was rescued from the wildfire. Now 10 months old, Smokey Jr. weighs about 100 pounds and was released back into the wild earlier this month at Goethe State Forest. 

“The release of this bear back into the wild will continue the conservation success story that is a growing and robust black bear population in Florida,” said Katie Purcell, assistant director of community relations with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.


'Smokey Jr.' was rescued amid the brush fire Thursday, April 7, 2016, and brought to fire crews. (Lake County Fire Rescue)