After Months Of Uncertainty, The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency And Appalachian Bear Rescue Have Signed A Formal Operating Agreement To Resume Bear Rehabilitation. The Partnership Was Paused Following A Disease Outbreak That Led To The Euthanization Of 13 Bears In 2024. Under The New Terms, The Townsend-Based Nonprofit Will Limit Bears Per Enclosure And Implement New Sanitation Standards. Two New Bear Enclosures Costing Up To $320,000 Each Are Planned, With A Goal To Reopen In Six Months. Officials Say This Agreement Strengthens Transparency And Protection For Tennessee’s Black Bear Population.
