GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has euthanized 13 bear cubs that were housed at Appalachian Bear Rescue, according to a release from the rescue.
On Wednesday, ABR shared that the TWRA had become involved because of a concern that the bears could pose a risk to the wild bear population in East Tennessee and the surrounding areas.
“This is the most dreadful news we’ve ever had to post,” ABR wrote. “We are heartbroken and know you are too.”
Those who follow the rescue on social media are likely familiar with how the rescue gives each bear cub in its care a name. The bears that were euthanized were: Patty, Pickles, Mac, Special Sauce , Homer , Diamond, Champ , Sundae, Peeps, Puff, Casper, Shadow, and SuBearu Bear.
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ABR did clarify that under Tennessee law, the bear cubs belong to the State of Tennessee, and the TWRA had the legal right to take the action. A release from the TWRA explained that ABR is permitted by the agency to rehabilitate bear cubs. The cubs are usually returned to the wild after six to nine months.