TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Appalachian Bear Rescue has taken in four orphaned black bear cubs following a wildlife rescue operation in Washington County, giving the young bears a second chance after their mother was struck and killed by a vehicle.
The arrival of the four cubs increases the number of bears currently being rehabilitated at the Townsend facility from one to five. The new cubs are expected to eventually join Hemlock Bear, the first cub admitted after Appalachian Bear Rescue reopened in July 2026.
Highway Accident Leads to Rescue Effort
According to Appalachian Bear Rescue, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers responded Aug. 6 to reports of a black bear that had been hit and killed near the Historic Mt. Carmel Community along Highway 107 in Washington County.
Initial reports indicated two cubs had been located near the scene. However, TWRA Officer Dan Gibbs later received another report of two additional cubs, bringing the total number of orphaned bears to four.
Officials said Gibbs quickly and safely captured three of the cubs. The fourth cub, the largest of the litter, proved more challenging. The female cub, later named Wintergreen Bear, avoided capture until early Friday morning after spending time resting in a nearby tree.
Meet the New Cubs
The four cubs, estimated to be about six months old, were examined by veterinarians at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine on Aug. 7.
Despite minor issues including ticks and botfly larvae, veterinarians found all four cubs to be in good overall health.
The new residents include:
- Redbud Bear (#428) — Female, 10 pounds
- Quince Bear (#429) — Male, 12 pounds
- Marsh Bear (#430) — Female, 18 pounds
- Wintergreen Bear (#431) — Female, 19 pounds
Appalachian Bear Rescue staff said weight differences are common among large litters because cubs often compete for access to their mother’s milk and food sources. They expect the smaller cubs to gain weight and develop normally during rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Process Underway
The cubs will now begin standard rehabilitation procedures, including deworming treatments and continued monitoring by wildlife professionals.
ABR said Redbud Bear and Quince Bear, the two smallest cubs, are expected to be introduced to Hemlock Bear within the next several days. The organization hopes social interactions with another cub will aid their development and adjustment to rehabilitation life.
As the bears become comfortable in their new surroundings and transition fully to solid foods, they will be moved into Appalachian Bear Rescue’s newly completed Wild Enclosures 5 and 6.
The move will mark the first operational use of the facility’s recent expansion project, which was designed to provide more natural environments for rescued bears preparing for eventual release back into the wild.
A Growing Family at ABR
The arrival of the four orphaned cubs represents the largest intake since Appalachian Bear Rescue resumed operations this summer. Wildlife rehabilitators say keeping young cubs with other bears of similar age helps them develop natural behaviors while limiting human interaction.
The ultimate goal remains the same for all five cubs currently in care: rehabilitation and eventual return to the wilds of East Tennessee.
