It’s true! On June 16 the TWRA officers had to euthanize a female bear in Fentress County who had sustained injuries too severe to be repaired. She had two cubs, one of whom was captured by the officers and taken to UTCVM, where Curator Reagan, Intern Kamryn, and E.D. Dana Dodd met them and transported the little cub to ABR.
The little male COY (Cub of the Year) weighs just 7.9 pounds, which means that Doodlebug is no longer the smallest cub in residence! He was well cared for and didn’t even have the ubiquitous ticks that most bears have at arrival. His mama kept him clean! Unfortunately, the other cub evaded the wildlife officers, although they are patiently waiting and hoping to eventually capture him/her as well. Time will tell.
Tater Bear is another 5-month-old cub, like the four cubs in residence.
Stay tuned to see if the TWRA is able to rescue Tater’s brother or sister in the next day or so. We are hoping that they succeed!