Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) is a black bear rescue facility located just outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Townsend, Tennessee. ABR is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that has been returning black bears back to the wild since 1996. Each year black bears from our national parks and surrounding areas are orphaned, injured, or in need of medical care. Thanks to Appalachian Bear Rescue, these bears are given a second chance at life in the wild.
We thank you for your generous support on Giving Tuesday and always. We also thank you for your kind words about Crockett Bear. Our cubs don't know how many friends they have, but we do. We are grateful!
Peeps, Casper, Shadow, Puff, and SuBearu are doing well. They will continue their antibiotics through Friday. Curators spend lots of time every day evaluating them on camera and listening closely for any sounds of coughing or wheezing. We haven't heard or seen anything of concern in several days now. We are very happy with their progress.
Phoenix Bear is also doing well. He eats well and rests...just what he needs to be doing as he recovers. Scruffy and Rags are settling in for the night.
The cubs in Enclosure 1 are sound asleep on the platforms. The cubs in Enclosure 3 are out and about. We caught a rare photo that includes all eight of them in one frame. The crowd in Enclosure 2 are in the chilly treetops tonight. They didn't bother to show up for photos. We'll try to find them tomorrow!
Stopped into the Visitor Center today and had a great time seeing all the pictures and talking to the lady working there. She had a lot of knowledge about the bears was awesome to talk to! Got the 2025 calender, an ornament, some blackberry jelly and a note pad! Thanks ABR for having the visitor center! Good nite bears and all of my bear friends!
Are the fires in your vicinity?
Thank you for our daily update on all our beautiful cubs. So glad to hear all are doing well and settling in for the night. Good night and sweet dreams to all our beautiful cubs.♥️🐻🐾😴🙏🏻
There is a genetic condition in dogs called Liver Shunt- I wonder if that is similar?
Has it been decided if these bears will be released
While I am sad for all involved, especially those that cared for him every day, I am glad he did not starve to death and suffer out in the wild. Thank you ABR for caring for him.
ABR Update-December 4, 2024-Sad News about Crockett Bear 🐻💔
Yesterday, Curator Seth took Crockett back to UTCVM-University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for a follow-up visit. The doctors were to check Crockett’s liver values, which they found to be elevated when he first arrived at ABR. We had attributed that to the heavy internal parasite load that Crockett carried, and we were hopeful things were back to normal now that the parasites were gone.
Crockett had doubled his weight since arriving at ABR, and his body condition was much improved. We were shocked when the doctors told us his bloodwork showed his liver values were far worse than at intake. Doctors took Crockett to radiology and investigated with ultrasound and later followed up with a CT scan. Crockett's liver and the pathways to and from it were not formed correctly, a genetic problem with no cure. He was never able to properly break down fats, which would account for his emaciated state when he arrived. His improvement at ABR was temporary, and his liver would only continue to deteriorate.
The doctors conferred with TWRA, the agency responsible for Crockett, and together with ABR made the difficult decision to euthanize him.
The doctors at UTCVM have never seen or documented this kind of liver problem in a black bear. They will use the results of the CT scan and his other tests to document the condition, hoping that Crockett's case will help other bears in the future.
We are heartbroken over the loss of Crockett and know you will be too. Please be comforted knowing that you gave that little bear what were likely the best days of his life. Rest easy, Crockett. 🐻🌹
Oh Crockett bear, I am so glad you didn't die out in the cold, starving to death. I am glad you had friends at the end, Rags and Scruffy will miss you, and you took a piece of our hearts with you. Run free little cub.
So sad but now he is at peace and foraging in a forest of never ending snacks.
Velma Bear wants to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported us yesterday for Giving Tuesday. Every donation, purchase, share, like, favorite, comment and thought helps us with our mission for bear cubs. Thank you. ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
A deep Thanks from all of us who love the bears to all of us who help in ways we can. You are loved for your compassion for little bear cubs who are in need of your help.❤️🩹😇💝
She is a beautiful bear!💕
Velma, you are a gorgeous girl!!! So healthy looking. Thank you to the ABR for helping her become healthy ❤️❤️
There’s still one hour left before Giving Tuesday 2024 comes to an end. We will close out the night with a gift guide for the ULTIMATE bear lover. 🐻❤️ Bear gifts that give bear cubs a second chance? What else could a bear lover (or bear cub) ask for?! ABR is fortunate to have so many bear lovers in our corner. Thank you for your support. We appreciate you all.
I was happy to make a small donation tonight. But I make little ones with each purchase I make on eBay because eBay allows you to tack on whatever you want and select your charity to receive it. For me, it usually ends up being more than $100 every year.
Thank you for all you do
I just purchased 💜🐾
Running a Shopify store comes with its challenges, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to turn those challenges into opportunities for growth. In this expert-led guide, we’ll dive into actionable tactics for optimizing your store’s performance, increasing conversions, and building a loyal customer base. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your current approach, these insights will help you unlock the full potential of your Shopify store
Need some gift ideas for the bear cubs in your life? Check out the Hugga-Wug stuffy in ABR’s online store! Or maybe the Magical Smoky Mountains coloring book. Every purchase gives cubs a second chance at life in the wild! 🐻
From days old cubs needing intensive care and incubators for survival, to skull fractures and unexplainable burns, 2024 has been a big year for veterinary expenses! Please consider donating to our #GivingTuesdaycampaign so we can continue to provide second chances to bear cubs in need ❤
Always happy to donate. Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you for all you do for the dear little Bear Cubs!!! I wish I had enough $$$ to donate. Being a senior citizen on little income, as well as a cancer patient, I too am maxed out. Is there not some type of Medical Insurance available for Animal Rescue Facilities?? I know people who tell me they have Medical Insurance for their Pets. I don't own any Pets due to Allergies; so don't know much about it. But there should be something?? Or make some type of agreement with the University of Tennessee College of Vetrinary Medicine to help the Bear Cubs as a Teaching/Learning project. Can that happen???
Done! Thank you for the loving care you give the bears!💚
It’s been 972 days since ABR had an “empty den”. In that timeframe we have seen 78 bear cubs come through our facility gates. 972 days of around-the-clock care comes with many costs. But with friends like YOU, we have been able to give them all a second chance. ❤️
Please consider giving to our #GivingTuesdaycampaign. You can also support us by adopting our newest cub, Phoenix! All proceeds from our online store go directly back into our annual operating budget. Cub adoptions also make a great holiday gift! Thank you for your continued support.
I'm "old" school and would like to send a check, could you please post the address to sent it to? Thank you ❤🐻
Will be sending a donation in memory of my beloved Chuck. In lieu of Christmas gifts. He enjoyed watching the bears while he was ill with pancreatic cancer. They brought him joy.💜🐻
Tartan was the first bear I started following! Thanks for all you do for these little guys!
ABR Daily Update-December 3, 2024-Our Gratitude to You on #GivingTuesday ❤️
Weather: 38F (3C) Humidity 62%, 🌥️
Peeps, Casper, Shadow, Puff, and SuBearu Bear seem to be doing well. Casper and his brother, Shadow, are in the Recovery Center, and Peeps, Puff, and SuBearu are residing in the Cub House; all are recovering from a lung infection. The cubs are taking antibiotics and receiving humidifier treatment containing: - Acetylcysteine (to help thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up) - Gentamicin (used to treat bacterial infections)
The curators report that all five bears appear to be breathing normally, which is a very good sign.
Phoenix Bear is holding his own, which is promising for a cub in his condition. He sleeps a lot and eats a little. Every day is a bonus for this little bear, as it is for all the cubs in residence. Bear rescue isn’t easy; it offers joy and sorrow, often on the same day and rarely in equal measure. Thank you for sticking with us and our cubs, even when the going gets rough.🐻❤️
Thank you Gor all you do..it is very worrisome for you.
Please remind me of the symptoms. How did you all catch the infection so quickly? So thankful you did! It's not like you are up close and personal. They are out in the 'wild' and in trees. What did you see? Thankful for the care and expertise you offer every day! 💞🐻💞
I really do enjoy these updates. I'm fairly new, someone shared your work in the Fat Bear group. Now that the Alaskan cams are off, I appreciate all the work you do over here.. and look forward to the positive updates... and know moments can change but you're filling my bear void.
Keep working hard to save all the babies
DONATE TODAY!!
December 5, 2024: To all, a good night!
We thank you for your generous support on Giving Tuesday and always. We also thank you for your kind words about Crockett Bear. Our cubs don't know how many friends they have, but we do. We are grateful!
Peeps, Casper, Shadow, Puff, and SuBearu are doing well. They will continue their antibiotics through Friday. Curators spend lots of time every day evaluating them on camera and listening closely for any sounds of coughing or wheezing. We haven't heard or seen anything of concern in several days now. We are very happy with their progress.
Phoenix Bear is also doing well. He eats well and rests...just what he needs to be doing as he recovers. Scruffy and Rags are settling in for the night.
The cubs in Enclosure 1 are sound asleep on the platforms. The cubs in Enclosure 3 are out and about. We caught a rare photo that includes all eight of them in one frame. The crowd in Enclosure 2 are in the chilly treetops tonight. They didn't bother to show up for photos. We'll try to find them tomorrow!
We wish you all a good night!
appalachianbearrescue.org/2024-bear-necessities-campaign/ ... See MoreSee Less
29 CommentsComment on Facebook
Stopped into the Visitor Center today and had a great time seeing all the pictures and talking to the lady working there. She had a lot of knowledge about the bears was awesome to talk to! Got the 2025 calender, an ornament, some blackberry jelly and a note pad! Thanks ABR for having the visitor center! Good nite bears and all of my bear friends!
Are the fires in your vicinity?
Thank you for our daily update on all our beautiful cubs. So glad to hear all are doing well and settling in for the night. Good night and sweet dreams to all our beautiful cubs.♥️🐻🐾😴🙏🏻
View more comments
Join Seth and Tori as we discuss Crockett Bear. 🐻 ... See MoreSee Less
56 CommentsComment on Facebook
There is a genetic condition in dogs called Liver Shunt- I wonder if that is similar?
Has it been decided if these bears will be released
While I am sad for all involved, especially those that cared for him every day, I am glad he did not starve to death and suffer out in the wild. Thank you ABR for caring for him.
View more comments
ABR Update-December 4, 2024-Sad News about Crockett Bear 🐻💔
Yesterday, Curator Seth took Crockett back to UTCVM-University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for a follow-up visit. The doctors were to check Crockett’s liver values, which they found to be elevated when he first arrived at ABR. We had attributed that to the heavy internal parasite load that Crockett carried, and we were hopeful things were back to normal now that the parasites were gone.
Crockett had doubled his weight since arriving at ABR, and his body condition was much improved. We were shocked when the doctors told us his bloodwork showed his liver values were far worse than at intake. Doctors took Crockett to radiology and investigated with ultrasound and later followed up with a CT scan. Crockett's liver and the pathways to and from it were not formed correctly, a genetic problem with no cure. He was never able to properly break down fats, which would account for his emaciated state when he arrived. His improvement at ABR was temporary, and his liver would only continue to deteriorate.
The doctors conferred with TWRA, the agency responsible for Crockett, and together with ABR made the difficult decision to euthanize him.
The doctors at UTCVM have never seen or documented this kind of liver problem in a black bear. They will use the results of the CT scan and his other tests to document the condition, hoping that Crockett's case will help other bears in the future.
We are heartbroken over the loss of Crockett and know you will be too. Please be comforted knowing that you gave that little bear what were likely the best days of his life. Rest easy, Crockett. 🐻🌹
Our thanks to the team at UTCVM-University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and to you, our friends and partners in our mission.
Please join us for Facebook Live later today. ... See MoreSee Less
617 CommentsComment on Facebook
Oh Crockett bear, I am so glad you didn't die out in the cold, starving to death. I am glad you had friends at the end, Rags and Scruffy will miss you, and you took a piece of our hearts with you. Run free little cub.
So sad but now he is at peace and foraging in a forest of never ending snacks.
View more comments
Velma Bear wants to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported us yesterday for Giving Tuesday. Every donation, purchase, share, like, favorite, comment and thought helps us with our mission for bear cubs. Thank you. ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
35 CommentsComment on Facebook
A deep Thanks from all of us who love the bears to all of us who help in ways we can. You are loved for your compassion for little bear cubs who are in need of your help.❤️🩹😇💝
She is a beautiful bear!💕
Velma, you are a gorgeous girl!!! So healthy looking. Thank you to the ABR for helping her become healthy ❤️❤️
View more comments
There’s still one hour left before Giving Tuesday 2024 comes to an end. We will close out the night with a gift guide for the ULTIMATE bear lover. 🐻❤️ Bear gifts that give bear cubs a second chance? What else could a bear lover (or bear cub) ask for?! ABR is fortunate to have so many bear lovers in our corner. Thank you for your support. We appreciate you all.
Visit ABR’s Online Store HERE: appalachian-bear-rescue.myshopify.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY0gQ9Uv0KeWWg7RDh-esh4uZZUPJ8ge...
Or, donate directly to our Giving Tuesday Campaign HERE: appalachianbearrescue.org/2024-bear-necessities-campaign/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3eG2qiRGzl3R... ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
I was happy to make a small donation tonight. But I make little ones with each purchase I make on eBay because eBay allows you to tack on whatever you want and select your charity to receive it. For me, it usually ends up being more than $100 every year.
Thank you for all you do I just purchased 💜🐾
Running a Shopify store comes with its challenges, but with the right strategies, it’s possible to turn those challenges into opportunities for growth. In this expert-led guide, we’ll dive into actionable tactics for optimizing your store’s performance, increasing conversions, and building a loyal customer base. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your current approach, these insights will help you unlock the full potential of your Shopify store
Need some gift ideas for the bear cubs in your life? Check out the Hugga-Wug stuffy in ABR’s online store! Or maybe the Magical Smoky Mountains coloring book. Every purchase gives cubs a second chance at life in the wild! 🐻
Visit ABR's Online Store HERE: appalachian-bear-rescue.myshopify.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawG7-8BleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHeprHf1t7q9JX5y1JHOFN...
Or, donate directly to our Giving Tuesday Campaign HERE: appalachianbearrescue.org/2024-bear-necessities-campaign/?fbclid=IwY2xjawG7-8VleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHf... ... See MoreSee Less
10 CommentsComment on Facebook
I placed an order, but didn't see the coloring book anywhere
Appalachian Bear Rescue planning on picking up some Christmas merch for my cub but not seeing the coloring book fyi.
Donated online today. Will try to do more later in the month.
View more comments
From days old cubs needing intensive care and incubators for survival, to skull fractures and unexplainable burns, 2024 has been a big year for veterinary expenses! Please consider donating to our #GivingTuesdaycampaign so we can continue to provide second chances to bear cubs in need ❤
You can donate to our Giving Tuesday Campaign HERE:
appalachianbearrescue.org/2024-bear-necessities-campaign/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3eG2qiRGzl3R... ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Always happy to donate. Thank you for all that you do!
Thank you for all you do for the dear little Bear Cubs!!! I wish I had enough $$$ to donate. Being a senior citizen on little income, as well as a cancer patient, I too am maxed out. Is there not some type of Medical Insurance available for Animal Rescue Facilities?? I know people who tell me they have Medical Insurance for their Pets. I don't own any Pets due to Allergies; so don't know much about it. But there should be something?? Or make some type of agreement with the University of Tennessee College of Vetrinary Medicine to help the Bear Cubs as a Teaching/Learning project. Can that happen???
Done! Thank you for the loving care you give the bears!💚
View more comments
It’s been 972 days since ABR had an “empty den”. In that timeframe we have seen 78 bear cubs come through our facility gates. 972 days of around-the-clock care comes with many costs. But with friends like YOU, we have been able to give them all a second chance. ❤️
Please consider giving to our #GivingTuesdaycampaign. You can also support us by adopting our newest cub, Phoenix! All proceeds from our online store go directly back into our annual operating budget. Cub adoptions also make a great holiday gift! Thank you for your continued support.
You can adopt Phoenix Bear HERE: appalachian-bear-rescue.myshopify.com/products/christmas-in-july-adopt-a-cub-special
Or, donate directly to our Giving Tuesday Campaign HERE: appalachianbearrescue.org/2024-bear-necessities-campaign/ ... See MoreSee Less
15 CommentsComment on Facebook
I'm "old" school and would like to send a check, could you please post the address to sent it to? Thank you ❤🐻
Will be sending a donation in memory of my beloved Chuck. In lieu of Christmas gifts. He enjoyed watching the bears while he was ill with pancreatic cancer. They brought him joy.💜🐻
Tartan was the first bear I started following! Thanks for all you do for these little guys!
View more comments
ABR Daily Update-December 3, 2024-Our Gratitude to You on #GivingTuesday ❤️
Weather: 38F (3C) Humidity 62%, 🌥️
Peeps, Casper, Shadow, Puff, and SuBearu Bear seem to be doing well. Casper and his brother, Shadow, are in the Recovery Center, and Peeps, Puff, and SuBearu are residing in the Cub House; all are recovering from a lung infection. The cubs are taking antibiotics and receiving humidifier treatment containing:
- Acetylcysteine (to help thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up)
- Gentamicin (used to treat bacterial infections)
The curators report that all five bears appear to be breathing normally, which is a very good sign.
Phoenix Bear is holding his own, which is promising for a cub in his condition. He sleeps a lot and eats a little. Every day is a bonus for this little bear, as it is for all the cubs in residence. Bear rescue isn’t easy; it offers joy and sorrow, often on the same day and rarely in equal measure. Thank you for sticking with us and our cubs, even when the going gets rough.🐻❤️
We’ll post an update on the other cubs tomorrow.
❤️Please consider donating to Appalachian Bear Rescue’s #GivingTuesday Bear Necessities Fund.
bit.ly/3Zhmi48
🎉Our Visitor & Education Center at Trillium Cove is open! Please click on the link for more information:
appalachianbearrescue.org/contact-us/
🛑bearwise.org offers excellent information on what black bears are up to at this time of year and what to do if you hike or live in “Bear Country”.
*We post one update daily, seven days a week. ... See MoreSee Less
66 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you Gor all you do..it is very worrisome for you.
Please remind me of the symptoms. How did you all catch the infection so quickly? So thankful you did! It's not like you are up close and personal. They are out in the 'wild' and in trees. What did you see? Thankful for the care and expertise you offer every day! 💞🐻💞
I really do enjoy these updates. I'm fairly new, someone shared your work in the Fat Bear group. Now that the Alaskan cams are off, I appreciate all the work you do over here.. and look forward to the positive updates... and know moments can change but you're filling my bear void. Keep working hard to save all the babies
View more comments