Yes, this is definitely a busy year for ABR! On Friday August 7th a ranger from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (who was actually an ABR Curator for a short time) brought in an underweight yearling bear. The male bear was taken to the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and found to be reasonably healthy, but weighing just 29 pounds, a low weight for a bear who is a year and a half old. Augustus Bear is in Acclimation Pen #4, taking the usual de-worming medicine. He is our third yearling – along with Sparks and Mulberry. All three of them will be released when the natural foods in the area are sufficient.

Now ABR is caring for 14 six-month-old cubs and 3 eighteen-month-old yearling bears. Watch this space for more developments and for updates on all the residents.