RESCUED BEARS

Learn More About Each Rescued Bear Here at the Sanctuary - Including Each Rescue Story.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary-Texas currently houses 22 North American Black Bears, 1 Asiatic Black Bear, and 7 Brown Bears that were rescued from illegal or abusive situations. Following each rescue operation, our Bears are provided with individualized medical and rehabilitation care. Each Bear is giving as much time as needed to adjust to their new home prior to be released into large acreage habitats - providing them with a forever home.

BETTIE

After years of hardship, Bettie, Sarah, Crow, Puddin, Asia, Toby, Spearmint, Aggie, and Bertha were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them.

Thanks to a range of generous donors and the efforts of so many, they will live out the remainder of their lives in large, naturalistic habitats at TWAS-Texas. These Bears have a total of six habitats, each habitat being over one acre in size, encompassed in natural amenities. This includes innumerable trees to climb, meadows, brush and thickets to venture through, and even ponds and water tubs to cool off in. Each one of these Bears can be found climbing trees, digging for grubs, playing and running around on any day of year.

CROW

After years of hardship, Crow, Sarah, Bettie, Puddin, Asia, Toby, Spearmint, Aggie, and Bertha were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them. Thanks to a range of generous donors and the efforts of so many, they will live out the remainder of their lives in large, naturalistic habitats at TWAS-Texas. These Bears have a total of six habitats, each habitat being over one acre in size, encompassed in natural amenities. This includes innumerable trees to climb, meadows, brush and thickets to venture through, and even ponds and water tubs to cool off in. Each one of these Bears can be found climbing trees, digging for grubs, playing and running around on any day of year.

DAKAR

Dakar and Meyote arrived at TWAS-Texas when they were just seven months old. They had witnessed their mother being tragically shot in a situation to protect human life. Their mother was only doing what she was supposed to do...protect her cubs. As you can imagine, these cubs needed time to adjust to their new home. Dakar and Meyote were the first residents in our natural five-acre habitat. This habitat includes trees to climb, thickets to play in, meadows to roam and ponds to swim in. During the first two winters at TWAS-Texas, they actually dug their own den. Over time, both Bears enjoyed checking in on their new residents, Lucky and Lucy. You can now find all four of these Bears climbing, playing, and running around with one another within their large acreage habitat.

GRETA

Greta was rescued from an animal shelter in Illinois thanks to the diligence of a private citizen/Good Samaritan. Greta had been exploited by a zoo for her cuteness and used in photography sessions in order to make money. When she could no longer produce profits, she was left at an animal shelter that was not equipped to care for her - with a probable outcome of euthanasia.

Greta came to TWAS-Texas and immediately took a liking to another Bear, Scooter. In just the first hour of being together, Scooter and Greta hit it off. They enjoy each others' company and were playing almost non-stop. Greta and Scooter also enjoy the company of Scamp in their five-acre habitat, a Bear that is one year older than they are and is like a big brother. Greta especially enjoys snuggling with Scamp inside their den or at the base of a tree. All three Bears are seen exploring and roaming around during the warmer months. The naturalistic environment allows them to grow and experience the freedom of open skies and seemingly endless boundaries.

LUCKY

Lucky was rescued as an orphaned Bear cub when he was found by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) hibernating under a porch at a private residence. Upon TWAS-Texas being alerted to the situation, we had less than ten hours to complete all necessary steps, paperwork, permits, etc., to avoid euthanasia. That next afternoon, this little Bear cub was en-route to his new home at TWAS-Texas, who was appropriately named Lucky.

When Lucky arrived, he keep to himself, most of time in a pine tree, within his five-acre habitat. A few months later, TWAS-Texas rescued a female Bear, Lucy, who was about the same age as Lucky. Over time, Lucky formed a wonderful companionship and now spends most of his time with Lucy playing in the meadows, hanging out in trees or sleeping in the thickets with her.

LUCY

Lucy was rescued from a facility that could not provide proper care for her. She only had gravel to walk on and a tiny cage with a tin roof to provide to shelter - unfortunately these were the only conditions she knew at this stage of her life.

Upon arriving at TWAS-Texas, and being released into her five-acre habitat, Lucy experienced her first time stepping foot on grass.

She is a very outgoing and affectionate bear. After seeing Lucky for the first time, she immediately sought out his attention. After a few months, Lucy and Lucky were inseparable. They spend all day together playing in the meadows, climbing trees or just sleeping together in the thickets.

MEYOTE

Meyote and Dakar arrived at TWAS-Texas when they were just seven months old. They had witnessed their mother being tragically shot in a situation to protect human life. Their mother was only doing what she was supposed to do...protect her cubs. As you can imagine, these cubs needed time to adjust to their new home. Meyote and Dakar were the first residents in our natural five-acre habitat. This habitat includes trees to climb, thickets to play in, meadows to roam and ponds to swim in. During the first two winters at TWAS-Texas, they actually dug their own den. Over time, both Bears enjoyed checking in on their new residents, Lucky and Lucy. You can now find all four of these Bears climbing, playing, and running around with one another within their large acreage habitat.

PIXIE

Pixie, along with her two siblings, Rowdy and Rascal, arrived at TWAS-Texas after their mother was tragically shot by an irresponsible hunter. Wyoming Game and Fish Department called TWAS-Texas inquiring about a permanent home for these Bear cubs - a last chance effort to avoid euthanasia. Two days later, with help from a generous donor, the Bear cubs were on their way back to TWAS-Texas.

When Pixie, Rascal and Rowdy arrived, they were just four months old and weighed about ten pounds each. They quickly adjusted to their new home and now enjoy a five-acre natural habitat. They enjoy playing together at times and will eat together in the same areas.

PUDDIN

After years of hardship, Puddin, Sarah, Crow, Bettie, Asia, Toby, Spearmint, Aggie, and Bertha were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them.

Thanks to a range of generous donors and the efforts of so many, they will live out the remainder of their lives in large, naturalistic habitats at TWAS-Texas. These Bears have a total of six habitats, each habitat being over one acre in size, encompassed in natural amenities. This includes innumerable trees to climb, meadows, brush and thickets to venture through, and even ponds and water tubs to cool off in. Each one of these Bears can be found climbing trees, digging for grubs, playing and running around on any day of year.

RASCAL

Rascal, along with her two siblings, Rowdy and Pixie, arrived at TWAS-Texas after their mother was tragically shot by an irresponsible hunter. Wyoming Game and Fish Department called TWAS-Texas inquiring about a permanent home for these Bear cubs - a last chance effort to avoid euthanasia. Two days later, with help from a generous donor, the Bear cubs were on their way back to TWAS-Texas.

ROWDY

Rowdy, along with her two siblings, Pixie and Rascal, arrived at TWAS-Texas after their mother was tragically shot by an irresponsible hunter. Wyoming Game and Fish Department called TWAS-Texas inquiring about a permanent home for these Bear cubs - a last chance effort to avoid euthanasia. Two days later, with help from a generous donor, the Bear cubs were on their way back to TWAS-Texas.

SARAH

After years of hardship, Sarah, Puddin, Crow, Bettie, Asia, Toby, Spearmint, Aggie, and Bertha were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them.

SCAMP

On a cold winter morning in Valdez, Alaska, a private citizen walked outside to find a hungry black Bear cub rummaging through his garbage looking for food in two feet of snow. With no mother in sight, the resident contacted the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. With the help of a local animal shelter, this Bear cub was then taken to the Alaska Zoo until a permanent home was found for him. TWAS-Texas received news about this Bear cub and immediately reached out to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. With the help of numerous Animal care organizations, this little cub was transported by plane from Anchorage, Alaska and arrived in Texas where he was met by TWAS-Texas staff to take him to his new home.

Scamp now enjoys roaming across one of our five-acre habitats. He has become part of a social group with two other Bears, Greta and Scooter, who are a year younger than him. In a way, he has become a big brother to them both. He enjoys playing and rough housing with Scooter and snuggling and napping with Greta. These three Bears, together, are enjoying their second chance at life.

SCOOTER

Scooter was found wandering at Excursion Inlet just west of Juneau, Alaska with no mother in sight. Similar to some of our other rescued Bears, he was placed in a temporary animal care facility until a permanent home could be found. TWAS-Texas was alerted the situation and responded immediately. Scooter was transported by plane from Sitka, Alaska to Texas.

After being at TWAS-Texas for two months, another Bear, Greta, similar in age to Scooter, arrived. In just the first hour of being together, Scooter and Greta hit it off. Greta and Scooter also enjoy the company of Scamp in their five-acre habitat, a Bear that is one year older than they are and is like a big brother to them both. Scooter spends most of his days playing with Scamp. He also loves to play with Greta, but she quickly tires of his rough housing - so he gives her a break and seeks out Scamp frequently. All three Bears are seen exploring and roaming around during the warmer months. The naturalistic environment allows them to grow and experience the freedom of open skies and seemingly endless boundaries.

SCOUNDREL

Scoundrel was found motherless wandering along the side of a highway in Wyoming. His mother was tragically hit by a car. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department were able to secure him and reached out to TWAS-Texas for help. Once the cub was healthy enough to make the trip, he was transported to TWAS-Texas.

Scoundrel is enjoying his new home within a five-acre natural habitat. His favorite spots seems to be up in the trees watching everything go on below him. He does come down for food and has been seen digging for grubs on numerous occasions. Each day Scoundrel is becoming more and more curious, reaffirming his given name.

SUNSHINE

Sunshine was unfortunately purchased by a safari park in Springfield, MO at just two weeks of age. He was living in the owner's home in Kansas - placed in an outside kennel once he grew slightly older. The owner was in violation of state law and Sunshine was eventually confiscated. Sunshine now enjoys a forever home here at TWAS-Texas.

TEDDY

This young Bear cub was found alone in Calico Bluff Homestead on the Yukon River, 15 miles from Eagle, Alaska with no mother. He was brought to the Alaska Zoo along with a female cub, Twinkle, who was also found abandoned further south.

Both, Teddy and Twinkle, were transported from Alaska to TWAS-Texas. These pseudo-siblings now live in a naturalistic habitat where they are provided the best possible care, food, and a forever home.

TIMMY

Timmy was found orphaned in Elk Mountain, Wyoming. A private citizen/Good Samaritan alerted authorities to this helpless Bear cub. He was transported to a local research center and was temporarily taken care of prior to being transported to TWAS-Texas. He arrived weighing only 10 pounds with lots of time needed to adjust, but is a welcomed member here at the Sanctuary.

TOBY

After years of hardship, Toby, Sarah, Puddin, Crow, Bettie, Asia, Spearmint, Aggie, and Bertha were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them.

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TOMMY

Tommy came to TWAS-Texas with his brother, Tuffy, after they were orphaned in the wild. Their mother was shot by authorities in Alaska when she became a threat to the public after repeatedly entering heavily populated areas due to trash related incidents. Fortunately, these rambunctious boys did not suffer the same fate. They were rescued and transported to TWAS-Texas where they are provided everyday with the best possible care, food, and a forever home.

TUFFY

Tuffy came to TWAS-Texas with his brother, Tommy, after they were orphaned in the wild. Their mother was shot by authorities in Alaska when she became a threat to the public after repeatedly entering heavily populated areas due to trash related incidents. Fortunately, these rambunctious boys did not suffer the same fate. They were rescued and transported to TWAS-Texas where they are provided everyday with the best possible care, food, and a forever home.

TWINKLE

This young cub was found wandering alone in southern Alaska, within a city named Kalisef. She was brought to the Alaska Zoo along with a male cub, Sunshine, who was found abandoned further north.

Both, Twinkle and Teddy, were transported from Alaska to TWAS-Texas. These pseudo-siblings now live in a naturalistic habitat where they are provided the best possible care, food, and a forever home.

ASIA

After years of hardship, Asia, Bettie, Sarah, Crow, Puddin, Toby, Spearmint, Aggie, and Bertha were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them. Thanks to a range of generous donors and the efforts of so many, they will live out the remainder of their lives in large, naturalistic habitats at TWAS-Texas. These Bears have a total of six habitats, each habitat being over one acre in size, encompassed in natural amenities. This includes innumerable trees to climb, meadows, brush and thickets to venture through, and even ponds and water tubs to cool off in. Each one of these Bears can be found climbing trees, digging for grubs, playing and running around on any day of year.

AGGIE

After years of hardship, Aggie, Bettie, Sarah, Crow, Puddin, Asia, Toby, Spearmint, and Bertha were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them. Thanks to a range of generous donors and the efforts of so many, they will live out the remainder of their lives in large, naturalistic habitats at TWAS-Texas. These Bears have a total of six habitats, each habitat being over one acre in size, encompassed in natural amenities. This includes innumerable trees to climb, meadows, brush and thickets to venture through, and even ponds and water tubs to cool off in. Each one of these Bears can be found climbing trees, digging for grubs, playing and running around on any day of year.

BERTHA

After years of hardship, Bertha, Aggie, Bettie, Sarah, Crow, Puddin, Asia, Toby, and Spearmint were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them. Thanks to a range of generous donors and the efforts of so many, they will live out the remainder of their lives in large, naturalistic habitats at TWAS-Texas. These Bears have a total of six habitats, each habitat being over one acre in size, encompassed in natural amenities. This includes innumerable trees to climb, meadows, brush and thickets to venture through, and even ponds and water tubs to cool off in. Each one of these Bears can be found climbing trees, digging for grubs, playing and running around on any day of year.

GEORGE

George, Papa Bear, Wendy, and Willie were all 16 months old when they arrived at TWAS-Texas. They were born at a facility that had an older pair of grizzly Bears thought to be incapable of breeding. The facility did not have the habitats or finances to provide proper care for these grizzly cubs. George, Papa Bear, Wendy, and Willie now have a forever home at TWAS-Texas where they receive the best possible care, each day, for the rest of their lives.

PADDINGTON

Paddington was a wild born Yellowstone grizzly Bear that was found digging through the trash in a rural area. After being confiscated, he was saved from euthanasia and transported to TWAS-Texas.

PAPA BEAR

Papa Bear, George, Wendy, and Willie were all 16 months old when they arrived at TWAS-Texas. They were born at a facility that had an older pair of grizzly Bears thought to be incapable of breeding. The facility did not have the habitats or finances to provide proper care for these grizzly cubs. George, Papa Bear, Wendy, and Willie now have a forever home at TWAS-Texas where they receive the best possible care, each day, for the rest of their lives.

SPEARMINT

After years of hardship, Spearmint, Bertha, Aggie, Bettie, Sarah, Crow, Puddin, Asia, and Toby were rescued from Chief Saunooke Bear Park in Sylva, NC after the facility was shut down. The closing of this facility meant success and hope for numerous Animals and organizations who dedicated countless hours to its closure and to the rescue of these amazing creatures. For many years, these Bears had been kept in deplorable conditions, living in concrete pits below the surface of the ground. They never had the chance to step foot on grass, climb a tree, or enjoy the shade of forest brush - having only the ability to stare straight up at the sky into the faces of those throwing bits of food at them. Thanks to a range of generous donors and the efforts of so many, they will live out the remainder of their lives in large, naturalistic habitats at TWAS-Texas. These Bears have a total of six habitats, each habitat being over one acre in size, encompassed in natural amenities. This includes innumerable trees to climb, meadows, brush and thickets to venture through, and even ponds and water tubs to cool off in. Each one of these Bears can be found climbing trees, digging for grubs, playing and running around on any day of year.

WENDY

Wendy, George, Papa Bear, and Willie were all 16 months old when they arrived at TWAS-Texas. They were born at a facility that had an older pair of grizzly Bears thought to be incapable of breeding. The facility did not have the habitats or finances to provide proper care for these grizzly cubs. George, Papa Bear, Wendy, and Willie now have a forever home at TWAS-Texas where they receive the best possible care, each day, for the rest of their lives.

WILLIE

Willie, George, Papa Bear, and Wendy were all 16 months old when they arrived at TWAS-Texas. They were born at a facility that had an older pair of grizzly Bears thought to be incapable of breeding. The facility did not have the habitats or finances to provide proper care for these grizzly cubs. George, Papa Bear, Wendy, and Willie now have a forever home at TWAS-Texas where they receive the best possible care, each day, for the rest of their lives.

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