TWRA-ABR to Resume Black Bear Cub Rehabilitation

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) are announcing that ABR will resume rehabilitation of orphaned black bear cubs from Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Big South Fork National Recreation Area. Initially, ABR will have capacity to accept six black bear cubs in newly constructed pens at their facility in Townsend, TN. As the Agency responsible for management of wild bears in Tennessee, TWRA will continue to determine which cubs are viable candidates for rehabilitation at ABR.

Soil samples from the two new pens were analyzed for parasite loads by University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) staff, and pens were deemed to be safe for bears. Soil treatment and additional testing are planned to inform future decisions on the reopening of remaining pens.

Additionally, TWRA and ABR have committed to updated operating procedures that improve bear health while at the facility and reduce the likelihood of future disease risk.

The following measures will be implemented:

· Limiting the number of bears per enclosure - No more than six bears per acre (three per half-acre). Quadruplet litters may remain together in a half-acre enclosure.

· Restricting out-of-state admissions - ABR will not rehabilitate bears from outside Tennessee, except for cubs from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Big South Fork National Recreation Area.

· Ending large-scale winter releases - Cubs will be released individually or in smaller groups upon reaching a target weight of approximately 40 pounds.

· Prioritizing certain admissions - Cubs orphaned due to abandonment or vehicle collisions may receive priority for intake.

· Enhanced sanitation and internal biosecurity measures - Additional internal protocols have been adopted to further protect cubs and staff.

"The ability to resume black bear rehabilitation with these new pens is the culmination of careful work to ensure cub safety and the health of Tennessee's existing wild bear population," said TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon. "Our partnership with ABR and the University of Tennessee CVM reflects a shared commitment to science-based stewardship. These updated protocols ensure that every cub in ABR's care has the best possible chance to be released healthy, strong, and wild."

"Today's announcement represents a shared commitment to doing what is best for Tennessee's bears, years of collaboration, and a remarkable response from our supporters," said Greg Grieco, Executive Director of Appalachian Bear Rescue. "Our achievements would not have been possible without generosity from across the globe, and our team is deeply grateful for these partnerships. ABR is excited to once again provide orphaned cubs with another chance at life in the wild through enhanced protocols for black bear rehabilitation."

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is the state agency tasked with preserving, conserving, managing, protecting, and enhancing the fish and wildlife of the state and their habitats for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of the citizens of Tennessee and its visitors. TWRA also serves as the permitting agency that regulates wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Appalachian Bear Rescue is a specialized wildlife rehabilitation facility providing care for orphaned black bear cubs, having rehabilitated more than 400 black bear cubs over a 30-year history. In addition to rehabilitation, ABR contributes to public education, outreach, and scientific research that supports black bear rehabilitation

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