This information is provided from the Appalachian Bear Rescue  Facebook Page:

Just after completing today’s Facebook presentation, Greg received a call from GSMNP wildlife biologist Ryan Williamson; he was on his way to investigate a report of a cub that had been hanging around a ranger station for a couple of days. The cub was alone and walking in circles, never a good sign. Ranger Ryan arrived at the site, which is near Highway 129, also known as “Tail of the Dragon,” and found the cub so weak that he could pick it up with gloved hands. He gave it some water and transported it to UTCVM-University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine , where Greg met him.

The cub is a female, about four months old, and weighs 6.24 pounds (2.83 kg). Dr. Sheldon and her team examined the cub and noticed her skull was not symmetrical, a sign of possible hydrocephalus. We know from bitter experience that this is the time of year hydrocephalic cubs come to our attention: after four months of maternal care, they can no longer keep up with their mother, who is forced to leave them behind. Sadly, there is no future for a hydrocephalic cub, neither in the wild nor in captivity.

The little bear had a full-body X-ray and a CT scan of her skull. Luckily, the tests ruled out hydrocephalus. She does have skull fractures, likely caused by a collision with a car or motorcycle, and a gas bubble in her brain resulting from the skull fracture. She also has a fracture at the jaw/zygomatic arch junction. The doctors had to pull a couple of broken teeth, but her adult teeth should still grow in to replace them. She will spend the night in the ICU at UTCVM on IV antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory to help prevent brain swelling. Her prognosis is guarded; we hope the doctor will give us a better idea of how to proceed tomorrow.

Please welcome Puff Bear.