SULLIVAN CO., Tenn. (WVLT) - The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency rescued and released three orphaned bear cubs after their mother was killed in Sullivan County.

TWRA officials said officers responded to a report of a sow black bear that had been hit and killed along Highway 19E at around 7 a.m. on Sunday. They found the bear, but there were no cubs in the area. Traps were then set, and her body was removed from the area.

By 4 p.m. on Sunday, TWRA said it had safely captured all three cubs, who were then taken to a wildlife management area for evaluation and care.

The cubs, two female and one male, appeared to be in good health and considered large for their age, each weighing about 12 pounds, according to TWRA.

Officials said the cubs were able to climb trees, are wary of humans and have been eating well. Because of this, they were released into a remote area of the Cumberland Mountains.

"While this is not an ideal situation, our goal is to give these cubs the best possible chance at survival," said TWRA Bear Program Manager Dan Gibbs. "We have released them in a low-density bear area with minimal human presence to maximize their chances of adapting and thriving in the wild."

TWRA said drivers are urged to stay alert in areas with frequent wildlife crossings, especially in spring and summer when bear activity increases.