TOWNSEND, Tenn. (AP) — A poor season for nuts and berries means a Smoky Mountains rescue center for black bears has a record number of abandoned cubs.
Appalachian Bear Rescue took in its 31st cub of this year last week. The previous record year for bear cub rescues by the center was 2009 when it took in 23 animals.
Jack Burgin is the organization’s President.
"When bears range out of the Smokies they tend to be hit by cars, or orphaned, or shot by hunters. So Appalachian Bear Rescue steps in to care for the orphaned cubs."
The bears at the shelter are given proper nutrition and are eventually released back into the wild. The rehabilitation costs about $3,000 per cub. To learn more, visit appalachianbearrescue.org