NASHVILLE (WOKI) — Orphaned black bear cubs in East Tennessee will once again have a place for care and rehabilitation, as the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) announce the reopening of limited intake operations.
ABR, located in Townsend, will initially be able to accept up to six bear cubs in newly constructed enclosures. The facility will serve cubs from Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the Big South Fork National Recreation Area.
Before reopening, soil samples from the new pens were tested by the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine to ensure they were safe and free of harmful parasite levels. Additional testing and treatment are planned as officials evaluate whether more enclosures can reopen in the future.
TWRA, which manages wildlife across the state, will continue deciding which cubs qualify for rehabilitation. The agency says the updated program prioritizes the health of both rehabilitated cubs and Tennessee’s wild bear population.
Several new operating procedures are now in place, including limits on the number of bears per enclosure, capped at six per acre. Larger litters can still remain together in smaller groups. ABR will also restrict admissions to mostly Tennessee-based cubs and end large group winter releases, instead returning bears to the wild individually or in smaller numbers once they reach about 40 pounds.
Additional changes include stronger sanitation practices and internal biosecurity measures, along with prioritizing cubs orphaned due to abandonment or vehicle collisions.
TWRA Executive Director Jason Maxedon says the reopening comes after extensive work to ensure safety and long-term success.
“Our partnership with Appalachian Bear Rescue and the University of Tennessee reflects a shared commitment to science-based stewardship,” Maxedon said. “These updated protocols ensure that every cub has the best possible chance to return to the wild.”
ABR leaders say the restart is also the result of years of collaboration and strong community support. The organization has rehabilitated more than 400 black bear cubs over the past 30 years.
Appalachian Bear Rescue Executive Director Greg Grieco said the team is ready to once again give orphaned cubs a second chance.
“ABR is excited to provide orphaned cubs with another chance at life in the wild through enhanced protocols,” Grieco said.
TWRA says the effort balances wildlife conservation, public safety, and responsible rehabilitation practices as bear populations continue to grow in Tennessee.
