After observing a small bear who seemed to be alone and needy, residents in Mountain City TN contacted TWRA. Wildlife officers set up a trap and the little bear was captured overnight. Curators Cole and Haley went to the UTCVM to meet the TWRA officers.
Her exam at the UTCVM revealed that the female cub weighed just 22 pounds, indicating that she had likely been on her own for quite some time. The routine tests and radiographs were normal, but she had a buildup of gas in her intestines, which was probably the result of human food provided by well-meaning, but misguided folks who felt sorry for her.
Tinsel Bear is now resting in the Recovery Center while she takes the usual deworming medications. Curators are designing a special diet plan for her,to help her gain weight as well as to become used to having enough good food at last!
Tinsel Bear will soon have a bear sister (Twinkle)!
Stay tuned to see these two little female cubs as they become acquainted and eventually move outside!