Rabbit Hero Identified: Watch Him Rescue Bunny From Ventura Fire

VENTURA, CA — On Wednesday night, a video of a man rescuing a tiny rabbit from a roaring fire was posted and quickly went viral. While Oscar Gonzales, who appeared in an on-camera media interview wearing a similar hoodie and shorts to the video, claiming responsibility for chasing after and then gathering up a wild rabbit, it is Ventura resident Caleb Wadman who was the true "bunny hero."

After days of terror, strong winds and devastation this small kindness is balm for many who are glued to the news waiting to see some sign of hope.

If you missed the small scampering in the first few seconds of the video, it may seem the man is overwhelmed by the flames. Then, observers notice the object of his attention is not the fire but a tiny creature terrified from the superheated blaze.

In the video, shot by RMG News, Wadman then bends down to gather up the small creature, the rabbit, one of many wild animals displaced by the now 96,000-acre Thomas Fire.

Officials say not to attempt to rescue wild animals from fire, and that in the time of wildfire, animals will flee on their own.

What do you think? Did Wadman do the right thing? Let us know your thoughts.

Editor's note: The false claim of Ventura resident Oscar Gonzales being the "bunny hero" has been redacted.