Li'l Smokey the bear cub--released

Li'l Smokey recovering from the anesthetic in his new den. Redding Searchlight

Li'l Smokey, the bear cub that was rescued by a CalFire firefighter after being burned in a fire in northern California, has been released back into the wild. Adam Deem, who found the bear, was able to witness the release at a remote site described as excellent bear habitat.

Smokey, who is now about a year old and weighs 100 pounds, was cared for at the Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care center after suffering burns to his paws. More information is at Li'l Smokey's blog and photos are at the Redding Searchlight.