"It has been just over a year and a half since bears were last housed at the ABR facility. Welcoming Hemlock Bear into our care is a testament to the resilience of our staff, board members, volunteers, and supporters,” said Greg Grieco, Executive Director, ABR. “It's a reminder that when government agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, and our local community all work together we can accomplish great things. Hemlock is the 427th bear to be admitted into our care, and we are equally honored as we are humbled to share and celebrate this special moment with all of our supporters, without whom this would not be possible."

Hemlock is currently being cared for inside ABR's Hartley House, where he will remain indoors while receiving medical care and nutritional support. As he regains strength, he will have access to two indoor rehabilitation rooms and an outdoor acclimation pen. Eventually, he will move to a large outdoor enclosure designed to prepare bears for a successful return to the wild.

Following established rehabilitation protocols, Hemlock has begun standard deworming treatments and is receiving recommended medical care under the guidance of UTCVM, ABR’s trusted veterinary partners for over thirty years.

Because the cub arrived severely underweight, his diet is being introduced gradually through carefully managed refeeding protocols. He is currently receiving diluted milk replacer formula before slowly transitioning to small quantities of solid foods, including fruit, nuts, and ABR's standard black bear diet as his condition improves.

Hemlock's arrival also represents an important operational milestone for Appalachian Bear Rescue. Caring for orphaned black bear cubs requires around-the-clock staffing, specialized veterinary care, dedicated rehabilitation facilities, and ongoing maintenance to ensure each bear has the best possible opportunity to return to the wild.

Supporters who would like to follow Hemlock's progress will soon be able to symbolically adopt him through Appalachian Bear Rescue's website (appalachianbearrescue.org) and social media (Facebook and Instagram: Appalachian Bear Rescue). All proceeds directly support the daily care, nutrition, medical treatment, and rehabilitation of bears like Hemlock while helping ensure Appalachian Bear Rescue remains prepared to care for future orphaned and injured black bears.

Appalachian Bear Rescue is a specialized wildlife rehabilitation facility providing care for orphaned black bear cubs, having rehabilitated more than 400 black bear cubs over a 30-year history. In addition to rehabilitation, ABR contributes to public education, outreach, and scientific research that supports black bear rehabilitation.