The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is reminding residents across Middle Tennessee that black bears are on the move this spring and early summer. Several counties have reported black bear sightings in recent weeks, including Hickman, Dickson, Wilson, and Sumner counties.

Tennessee’s black bear population is primarily concentrated on the Cumberland Plateau and throughout East Tennessee, but historically their range covered the entire state. Tennessee’s neighboring states also have expanding bear populations. Each spring, yearling bears disperse from their mothers in search of their new home range. During these travels, bears may appear in areas of Middle Tennessee where bear sightings are less common, but always possible. Learn more about what bears are doing in June here.

A bear passing through a neighborhood is not cause for alarm. If it is lingering, it likely has found easily accessible food, called attractants, like unsecured garbage, pet food, or bird seed and will keep coming back as long as attractants remain available.  

The best approach to prevent unwanted bear encounters is to secure attractants that bring bears near homes and populated areas. Black bears do not view humans as prey but will learn to associate humans with food if they are continually rewarded with free meals from garbage cans, pet food, birdfeeders, or other human food sources.

TWRA encourages Tennesseans to report bear sightings through the agency’s “I Saw A Bear” reporting system. Sighting reports help wildlife biologists monitor bear movements and better understand the species’ distribution across the state.

For more information about living responsibly in bear country and reducing conflicts with bears, visit BearWise.org, a comprehensive educational resource dedicated to helping people coexist safely with black bears.

Follow the BearWise Basics:

• Never feed or approach
• Secure food, garbage, and recycling
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active
• Never leave pet food outdoors
• Clean and store grills and smokers
• Alert neighbors to bear activity

By taking simple precautions, Tennesseans can help keep bears wild and people safe!

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.