The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:01 PM
Two Bear Cubs Hit By Car In Cocke County
Credit: Appalachian Bear Rescue
"Sadly, it was too late for one of the cubs," the ABR said on their Facebook page.
Tylor Rich called ABR after finding them early Tuesday morning. He said he waited for their mother to return, but ultimately made the decision to get them help.
While waiting for officials to take the cub, Rich said he father even slept cuddled up to the bear to keep her warm while they waited. It's an experience Rich said he never will forget.
"I see them all over the place. It was a once in a lifetime experience to hold it, especially a live one," Rich said. "I've picked up dead ones off the road before, but never a live one still kicking."
The second bear was comatose but woke up after some treatment. ABR is calling her "Willow." The rescue said she was up and moving around more on Friday, and doing much better.
