The Call for Help – How It All Began
The rescue operation started with a simple yet urgent call to local authorities. This call would initiate a sequence of events touching countless people’s lives sooner than later. There had been reports of a bear cub in the back woods, apparently lost and alone and with no mother in sight. The public was concerned, naturally, about the fate of the cub in the wilderness. With the potential for danger to both the animal and anyone who would be foolish enough to try to rescue it, the fire department was called into play. Firefighters are usually called upon for anything other than fire emergencies, so they are trained in rescuing animals and were the best team to respond.
Once they arrived at the scene, the firefighters immediately assessed the situation. They knew that approaching a wild animal, even one as small as a bear cub, required caution and care. The frightened animal may act in a wild manner, and an untrained or panicky rescue might have harmed the animal and the rescuers. But the firefighters were veterans with years of experience in stressful rescue operations. They applied a measured, calculated effort, using nets, traps, and other tools specially designed for animal rescue, in order to keep the cub safe.
It was evident that the cub was in a vulnerable position, maybe hungry and disoriented from having been taken away from its family. The firefighters worked quickly but remained calm and respectful to the cub’s needs as they were aware that the bear might behave erratically at any moment. But the precaution taken to gently handle and transport the cub was one of careful planning and concern for its minimum distress. The careful planning and execution of the rescue spoke volumes about the professionalism and dedication of the firefighters, who were prepared to do whatever was necessary to save this young life.
