Appalachian Bear Rescue Reports Euthanization of 13 Black Bear Cubs by TWRA
TOWNSEND, Tenn. — The Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) has announced that 13 black bear cubs under its care were euthanized following a decision by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). The announcement has sparked a public dispute between the rescue organization and the state agency, with conflicting statements about the circumstances.
ABR’s Statement on the Euthanization Decision
According to ABR, the euthanization stems from concerns by TWRA that the bears may pose a health risk to the wild bear population in East Tennessee and nearby regions. The controversy began in November when ABR staff observed one of the cubs in Enclosure 4 displaying abnormal breathing. Veterinary experts at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine diagnosed the cub with pneumonia and prescribed treatment.
ABR explained that all cubs in Enclosure 4 were treated for the illness as a precaution, despite some showing no symptoms. The organization noted that the affected cubs have been symptom-free for weeks. Additionally, bears in the other three enclosures reportedly displayed no clinical signs of illness.
TWRA’s Actions and ABR’s Response
ABR claims that TWRA officials made decisions about the euthanization without consulting the rescue. On December 9, TWRA ordered the euthanization of five cubs from Enclosure 4. The next day, the agency expanded the decision to include eight additional cubs from Enclosure 3, which ABR states were not tested for the bacteria Streptococcus gallinaceous and exhibited no symptoms.
In a public statement, ABR expressed deep sorrow:
“This is the most dreadful news we’ve ever had to post. Patty, Pickles, Mac, Special Sauce, Homer, Diamond, Champ, Sundae, Peeps, Puff, Casper, Shadow, and SuBearu Bear have been euthanized by the TWRA. We are heartbroken and know you are too.”
TWRA Responds to the Announcement
TWRA confirmed the euthanization of 13 cubs but disputed ABR’s account. Emily Buck, a representative for the agency, stated:
“Yes, 13 bears are being euthanized, but all of the details are not correct.”
TWRA cited state law, which grants the agency authority to euthanize wildlife if there is a risk to the broader bear population. Specific details about the perceived risk or the testing protocols conducted before euthanization have not been disclosed.
Community Reaction
The announcement has left many supporters of ABR devastated. The loss of these cubs, affectionately named by the rescue, has underscored the complexities of managing wildlife health and conservation efforts. Both ABR and TWRA have yet to provide additional updates.
As the debate continues, wildlife enthusiasts and conservation advocates await further clarification regarding the rationale behind TWRA’s decision and the measures taken to safeguard both the affected bears and the broader wild population.
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