SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — A bear cub that was hit by a vehicle in Sevier County is now at a rescue after receiving medical care at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM).
Appalachian Bear Rescue released that they were alerted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Center to the bear just before 9 p.m. Thursday.
ABR shared that someone who had arrived at the scene of the accident had seen the cub in the road and moved it out of the way. The person then called the TWRA. The mother bear was reportedly in the area and calling to the cub, but the cub was unable to respond. When the TWRA officer arrived at the scene, the cub was alive, but it was not very alert.
After the cub arrived at UTCVM, ABR reports he was so dazed that veterinarians were able to perform his exam and radiology without needing to sedate him. No broken bones were found, just a couple of missing and broken teeth, however, ABR says he has a concussion and was likely in shock.
Once the cub received some fluids, the cub was able to stand and lap formula from a bowl. He arrived at ABR just after midnight, and the rescue shared that he slept soundly most of the night and ate some formula with berries.
ABR has named the cub Jackie P. Bear, adding that he is resting in their Hartley House.
“We’ve now received four injured cubs in a row. Caring for each bear requires a detailed plan and a team of dedicated Curators and staff. We will do all we can for all ten cubs in our care. We thank you for keeping each of them in your heart. Your support for our mission gives the cubs a second chance and gives our team encouragement as they work to provide the best care possible,” ABR wrote in a Facebook post.
Earlier this week, ABR received a bear with skull fractures that was rescued near the “Tail of the Dragon.”