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WATCH: Cinder the burned black bear preparing for return to the wild

When Cinder was found after a huge Washington state forest fire last fall, she was so badly injured that authorities were sure she would have died on her own.

Her paws were so blistered and damaged that she was crawling on her elbows.

Her fortune changed when the Idaho Black Bear Rehabilitation Center took her in and nursed her back to health.

Sally Maughan, lead rehab specialist, told KREM that Cinder seems to be nearly ready for a return to the wild.

“She’s just very happy, very calm. A very well adjusted bear considering all she’s gone through.”

Over the next two months, Cinder will be fattened up as vets monitor how well she can climb up and down with her newly toughened pads.

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However, due to her permanently damaged hind claws, Cinder has had to learn to adjust for her injuries.

“As far as her being able to get her second chance, yes, I think she’ll be fine,” said Maughan. “She’ll get her second chance, and she deserves it. She’s worked so hard for it.”

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