Bear Rescued From Smoldering Remains at Jennings Creek Wildfire S

A wildfire has been burning along the boarder of New York and New Jersey for almost a week. Not only has it effected human life, but wildlife as well.

Progress Being Made at Jennings Creek Wildfire at NY-NJ Boarder

After almost a week, progress in being reported at the Jennings Creek Wildfire. On Saturday, November 9th, 2024 a blaze began near the New York, New Jersey boarder around the Greenwood Lake area in Orange County.

Since then the blaze has burned over 5,000 acres of land and has taken one life. New York Parks employee, 18-year-old Dariel Vazquez died after being hit by a fallen tree.

Bear Rescued from Smoldering Jennings Creek Wildfire Remains

The 5,000 acres hasn't effected any structures in the area, but it has ruined the homes of many animals in the area.

The Last Resort Wildlife Refuge organization based out of New Jersey has been "running on fumes" this week as they have assisted rescuing wild animals effected by the blaze.

On Tuesday, November 13th, 2024, an injured bear was spotted, laying down in the wildfire remains. With help from New Jersey Forest Fire Service, NYS DEC, New Jersey Fish & Wildlife and Tyco Animal Control Services they were able to remove the bear from the smoldering remains to a safe location.

The team at Last Resort Wildlife Rescue shared videos from the rescue on Facebook:

Thankfully, the female bear survived and was suffering from "some minor burns to her paws and likely some minor smoke inhalation" according to the rescue. They add:

She's exhausted and a little defeated. But her injuries are minor.

Were so happy to report she should total recovery all on her own. She has moved to safer ground, and is hopefully fast asleep, in her den, recovering quietly today.

How to Help Animals Effected By Jennings Creek Wildfire

Sadly, the bear isn't the only animal dealing with injuries due to the Jennings Creek Wildfire.

Last Resort Wildlife Refuge has reported that foxes, opossums, beavers and skunks were all saved from the blaze. The wildlife rescue explains these animals have "lost their homes, their dens, nests that they worked so hard building" adding that the food and water sources they use are gone.

These animals are most likely suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. If you see injured wildlife around a neighborhood that is effected by wildfire call your local wildlife rescue.

In the Jennings Creek Wildfire area you can reach out to Last Resort Wildlife Refuse at 973-506-4353 or find them on social media.

The Most Annoying New York State Nuisance Wildlife Species

New York is full of amazing wildlife... some are great, and some are not so great. These are the ones that just straight up annoy New Yorkers.

Gallery Credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

How To Help Abandoned Baby Wildlife Found On Your Property

When you find a baby animal on your property that appears to have been abandoned, it can be so tempting to rescue them, but sometimes that causes more harm than good. Here are a few examples of ways you can help wildlife that has been left alone where you live.

Gallery Credit: Traci Taylor

Wildlife Expert Shares Connecticut's Top 5 Most Dangerous Animals

To come up with the 5 Most Dangerous animals in Connecticut I consulted with an expert. Her name is Jen "The Zookeeper" Kotkin and she immediately took issue with the phrasing "the most dangerous." I mean she knew what I was angling for but made clear to me that these animals are only dangerous when approached, protecting their cubs and food, etc. She told me: "wild animals aren’t out there looking to start fights, and take the flight versus fight route whenever possible."

Without further adieu...Cue the scary music....These are CT's 5 Most Dangerous Animals

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano