Three orphaned bear cubs have been successfully released back into the wild after their mother was tragically killed by a car. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) rescued the cubs on May 18 in Sullivan County.
TWRA officers set traps to capture the cubs after discovering their mother had been hit on highway U.S. 16E. The cubs, consisting of two females and one male, were found to be in good health.
According to a TWRA press release, the cubs were capable of climbing trees, wary of humans, and had a healthy appetite. The sibling bears have been relocated to a remote area of the Cumberland Mountains to maximize their chances of survival.
"While this is not an ideal situation, our goal is to give these cubs the best possible chance at survival," said TWRA Bear Program Manager Dan Gibbs. "We have released them in a low-density bear area with minimal human presence to maximize their chances of adapting and thriving in the wild."
Black bears are most active in the spring and summer months, particularly between April and August. During these months, bears are most active in the early morning and late evening. If you encounter a black bear in East Tennessee, it is crucial to keep your distance for your safety and the animal's well-being.