Inside the Appalachian Bear Rescue Visitor Center: A Haven for Smoky Mountain Wildlife
Nestled in the quiet community of Townsend, Tennessee, the Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR) plays a critical role in preserving the wildlife of the Great Smoky Mountains.
While the main rescue facility remains strictly closed to the public to ensure rehabilitated black bear cubs stay wild and unaccustomed to humans, the Appalachian Bear Rescue Visitor Center gives animal lovers, families, and park visitors an intimate look into the lifesaving work done behind the scenes.
What is the Appalachian Bear Rescue?
Dedicated to caring for orphaned and injured black bear cubs until they can return to the wild.
The Mission
Rehabilitate orphan cubs, injured sub-adults, and winter-denned bear cubs.
The Goal
Release every bear back into its natural habitat with zero human habituation.
The Need
Vehicle strikes, mother bear mortality, and human encroachment frequently leave young cubs vulnerable and unable to survive on their own.
What to Expect at the Visitor Center
Located alongside local heritage stops, serving as the educational bridge to the public.
Interactive Educational Exhibits
Learn about black bear biology, habitat requirements, and the seasonal behaviors of mountain bears.
Behind-the-Scenes Video Footage
Get a look at real cub rehabilitation inside the facility through live camera feeds and documentary video clips showing cubs eating, playing, and growing in natural enclosures.
Bear Safety & Coexistence Guides
Discover practical tips on how to handle bear encounters, secure residential trash, and practice "Leave No Trace" principles while camping in the Smokies.
Official ABR Gift Shop
Every purchase directly supports cub care. Finds include official merchandise, local artisan goods, educational books, and plush cubs.
Essential Visitor Information
Plan your visit to the Appalachian Bear Rescue Visitor Center
Townsend, Tennessee (Near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
Free (Donations are directly applied to food, medical care, and enclosure maintenance)
Families, eco-tourists, wildlife enthusiasts, and school groups
No live bears are housed at the Visitor Center. The primary rehabilitation grounds are kept strictly private to safeguard the bears' wild instincts.
How Your Visit Helps
Because ABR receives no direct state or federal government funding for daily operations, it relies entirely on donations, grants, and retail sales from the Visitor Center.
Dropping by to learn about black bear conservation directly feeds, heals, and shelters orphaned cubs on their journey back home to the wild.