Appalachian Bear Rescue

About

Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Townsend, Tennessee - the 'Quiet Side of the Smokies' - dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned and injured black bears. Founded in 1996, ABR has successfully rehabilitated and released over 300 bears back into the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest. The facility operates under permits from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and USDA. While the bears are not on public display (to prevent habituation to humans), ABR shares educational content through their website, social media, and community events like the annual Rockin' For the Rescue benefit concert. They also operate a gift shop and accept donations to support their mission. ABR is deeply embedded in the East Tennessee community and partners with wildlife agencies across the region.