With temperatures hitting record-breaking highs and rainfall at an all-time low, wildfires have ravaged the water-scarce and drought-ridden west this season. The 19-plus fires currently blazing west of the 100th meridian have taken an enormous toll on wildlife and human communities alike. Without the help of mandated evacuation plans, forest-dwelling creatures like this young mountain lion have had to make their own bid for survival as their homes go up in smoke. A volunteer fire team found the cub fleeing the Butte fire on Monday, September 14. He had singe marks on his face and burned paws, and though walking, appeared to be emaciated and injured.

The cub was transported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Rancho Cordova lab for evaluation and is currently being monitored by a wildlife veterinarian. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, “its prognosis is guarded at this time.” If the cub recovers, he'll be sent to a wildlife care and education facility. We're rooting for you, little guy!