Dawson County Emergency Services personnel responded to an injured bear cub that had been struck by a vehicle.

According to a press release from Fire Chief Danny Thompson, on June 12 Dawson firefighters from Station 6 rendered aid and provided treatment for the cub, named “Dawson,” and worked with wildlife management agencies to get the cub transferred to the appropriate veterinarian specialist.

“As the Fire Chief, I am extremely proud of these firefighters going the extra mile,” Thompson said.

Chestatee Wildlife Preserve transported and assumed care of the cub.

According to a statement from the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resource Division’s Communication and Outreach Specialist Melissa Cummings, the 80 pound bear received minor injuries and was released back into the wild.

DNR reminds citizens that if such an incident happens again, do not handle or move the bear. Call the emergency resource number for Georgia DNR 1 (800) 241-4113 so the situation can be handled quickly and safely.