Although ABR has successfully cared for over 280 cubs and yearling bears, we know that sometimes we aren’t able to fix what is wrong with an individual animal. This was the case with Bear #286, nicknamed Oliver Bear, who arrived on March 27 from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Oliver was a 14-month-old yearling and weighed only 9.9 pounds, about one-fourth of a normal weight. Here are photos of his exam at the UTCVM.

Oliver was fed a small amount of bear milk replacement formula and settled into a pen in the Cub Nursery. Sadly, he did not live to see another day. Although it grieves us to lose a bear, we can console ourselves with the knowledge that little Oliver did not die alone and afraid. He was warm, dry, and had food in his tummy. Sometimes that’s the best we can do.

Our next post will be an update on the two cubs and two yearlings who are doing well at ABR.