Each year we hear about orphaned and injured black bear cubs brought to the UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) for care. Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) works with UTCVM on each bear for a health assessment and medical care before their time at ABR to be rehabilitated to the wild. Currently, they have 14 cubs in house and you can follow daily updates on their progress on Facebook or their website.   Last Tuesday, they took in Four cubs on the same day, which is unheard of!!  Sundae bear was seen on top of a cherry tree and was adorable, at first. After several days Sevierville 'neighbors' realized she had been orphaned and contacted ABR. A trap was set for her and she was finally captured and brought to UTCVM. Sundae bear is ABR #407 and weighed just 12.1 pounds. You know a sundae with a cherry on top? The ABR website has many stories of success for the bears, but there are some heartbreaks too. Like the 3 other cubs brought in that day, their mama had been hit by a car and was too injured to save. UTCVM assessed and did the intake exams on the cubs before all four went to ABR together. For fun, we propose a friendly competition between states to raise funds for the Appalachian Bear Rescue in the TERSSA Grin-and-Bear-It Campaign.  ABR is near and dear to our heart here in TN as we hear about these cubs every year. You can't help but have your heart tugged. I got a head start on the campaign page, will ya join me? Best, Trudi

Check out the
Professional Development Page