Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI /WVLT) -A young black bear cub found wandering alone in the Gatlinburg area is getting a second chance thanks to Appalachian Bear Rescue and its wildlife partners.
The cub, now known as “Hemlock Bear,” arrived at Appalachian Bear Rescue on July 29 after neighbors reported seeing the animal without its mother for more than two weeks.
The rescue marks a significant milestone for the Townsend-based organization, as it is the first bear admitted to Appalachian Bear Rescue in nearly two years following a lengthy operational pause caused by a disease outbreak.
Cub Found Alone Near Gatlinburg
According to Appalachian Bear Rescue, the cub was brought into care after Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Officer David Sexton contacted the organization about accepting the animal.
Rescue staff met Sexton at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, where veterinarians conducted an intake examination.
The cub has been officially identified as Bear No. 427, the 427th bear admitted to ABR since the organization began its rehabilitation work.
What Veterinarians Found
Veterinarians determined the cub is:
- Male
- Approximately 7.7 pounds
- Underweight for his age and the time of year
- Otherwise healthy except for a few parasites
Rescue officials noted that healthy cubs at this stage of development often weigh closer to 20 pounds.
Because of his low weight, staff believe the cub likely struggled to survive after becoming separated from his mother.
Recovery and Treatment Underway
The cub is currently being cared for inside ABR’s Hartley House rehabilitation facility.
Rescuers say he will undergo:
- A specialized refeeding program
- Deworming treatments
- Ongoing health monitoring
- Nutritional support designed to help him gain weight safely
Appalachian Bear Rescue officials say young cubs separated from their mothers often face serious survival challenges and require intensive care if they are to be successfully returned to the wild.
First Bear Admission in Nearly Two Years
The arrival of Hemlock Bear represents an important step forward for Appalachian Bear Rescue.
The organization has not admitted a bear cub in more than a year and a half due to a lengthy recovery period following a disease outbreak that temporarily halted bear intake operations.
With Hemlock’s arrival, the facility is returning to full operations, including around-the-clock staffing and expanded rehabilitation activities.
What’s Next for Hemlock Bear?
Once the cub gains enough weight and demonstrates he can successfully eat solid foods, rescuers plan to move him to larger outdoor rehabilitation enclosures.
Those naturalized habitats allow bears to develop the skills they need to survive independently before eventual release back into the wild.
The goal of Appalachian Bear Rescue is to rehabilitate orphaned or injured bears and return them to their natural habitat whenever possible.
Rescue Highlights Community Partnership
ABR Executive Director Greg Cates said Hemlock Bear’s rescue demonstrates the value of collaboration among wildlife agencies, veterinarians, nonprofits and community members.
“Welcoming Hemlock Bear into our care is a testament to the resilience of our staff, board members, volunteers and supporters,” Cates said.
“It’s a reminder that when government agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations and our local community all work together, we can accomplish great things.”
Cates noted that while Hemlock Bear is the 427th bear admitted to the facility, every rescue remains meaningful.
How the Public Can Help
Appalachian Bear Rescue says supporters can assist with Hemlock Bear’s care through:
- Cub adoption programs
- Financial donations
- Membership support
Those contributions help provide food, medical treatment, housing and rehabilitation services for orphaned and injured bears across East Tennessee.
For now, Hemlock Bear’s focus is simple: gaining weight, getting healthy and preparing for a future back in the wild.
