Bear Euthanized After Breaking Into Garage In Sevier County

Another bear has been euthanized in Sevier County. The TWRA reports that this bear, a mother with three cubs, had broken into a Sevier County home through a garage and started eating food from the refrigerator. An agent with the TWRA stated that this particular bear was past the point where its behavior could be modified and, therefore, was trapped and humanely euthanized. The TWRA employs various methods to alter a bear’s behavior, including relocating them, but sometimes the bears are beyond behavioral correction. In such cases, they can pose a danger to the public, so they are euthanized.

The TWRA notes that this latest bear encounter occurred just outside the Gatlinburg city limits, where trash regulations are not as strict as within the city limits. The mother bear’s three cubs were also trapped and taken to the Appalachian Bear Rescue. A spokesperson for the rescue organization reported that the cubs were examined by the UT College of Veterinary Medicine and that all are female and in good health. The Appalachian Bear Rescue has named the cubs “Bubbles,” “Mojo,” and “Fuzzy.” With these three, they are now caring for a total of 19 cubs.