Despite the nasty weather on Friday, December 18, ABR Curator Lisa Stewart and TWRA wildlife officers prepared 4 Tennessee cubs for release into their new wild homes.  The 4 cubs, all males, weighed in at 76 pounds, 106 pounds, 142 pounds, and 145 pounds!  They were in great shape and have plenty of bulk to allow them to survive in the wild.

Their departure does not end our cub rehabilitation for 2009, however – far from it.  Our current residents include 2 females from Louisiana, 4 cubs from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and 6 Tennessee cubs, 2 of which are very small and were admitted earlier in December.

This has truly been a year to remember, as we have cared for more cubs than ever before in a single year.  The Park cubs are expected to be released in January, but several of the others will spend the winter at ABR, where they will construct their own dens within the enclosure.

Our ongoing expenses are great.  If you can make a year-end donation to ABR, we would be very grateful.  Please remember that we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your donation is tax-deductible.  To make a donation online, visit our website and click on “Donations.”  Thank you!