A black bear cub that was injured and orphaned by a wildfire near Salmon continues to improve, and Idaho Fish & Game officials released photos Thursday that show how well the bear's paws are healing.

“His pads and toes are no longer bleeding and new skin is already forming on the burned portions," Dr. Jeff Rosenthal, Director of the Idaho Humane Society said.

Rosenthal told the Idaho Statesman earlier in the week that the one of the biggest concerns was infection. Keeping the bear, nicknamed "Boo Boo," in a sanitary room was critical.

The veterinarian said the bear has been a better patient than many of the dogs he treats; he hadn't pulled off any of the bandaging until Tuesday night.

“Nobody likes going to the hospital, certainly not wild animals, but he’s been a great patient,” Rosenthal told Fish & Game.

The cub, which was 23 pounds when it was rescued, is "eating like a little pig" and gaining weight.

Fish & Game officials say their goal is to return the bear to the wild. Jeff Rohlman, regional wildlife manager for the Idaho Fish & Game, said it's possible the cub will join four others at the Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary near McCall.

Depending on how things go, in December or January, Boo Boo — and the other cubs at Snowdon — could be set up in dens near McCall, then free to get on with their lives when they awake from their hibernation.

The Idaho Humane Society has received more than $1,000 in donations. Donations of berries continue to be needed — strawberries, blackberries and blueberries — but the facility has received more than enough apples.

“We have enough donated apples to bake him an apple pie every day this month," Rosenthal said.

Want to donate berries or money? Call: 342-3508. Send checks to The Idaho Humane Society, Black Bear Fund, 4775 Dorman Street, Boise, ID 83705, or donate online at www.idahohumanesociety.org. Any funds donated above what's needed to care for the cub will be used to aid other injured wildlife. Questions: Christine Moore at cmoore@idahohumanesociety.org.