Mountain lion cub injured in Thomas Fire rescued in Santa Paula

SANTA PAULA, Calif. (KABC) -- A mountain lion cub injured in the Thomas Fire was rescued by California Fish and Wildlife officials Saturday.

A resident spotted the female animal Saturday and called Santa Paula police, who contacted the Fish and Wildlife crew.

They tranquilized the 40-to-60 pound cub using a blow dart, then noticed her paws were badly burned.

The cub is being treated for those injuries.

Officials said the animal is an orphan and probably would have starved to death if she wasn't captured.