LOCAL TWRA ADDRESSES RECENT BEAR SIGHTING IN CROSSVILLE
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has responded to inquiries about multiple bear sightings in the Crossville area, noting that the increased activity is typical for this time of year. During late spring and early summer, juvenile black bears, typically 1-2 years old, leave their mothers for the first time to disperse and establish their own territories. These young bears often wander into unfamiliar areas, including human-populated regions, as they search for food and suitable habitat.
According to the TWRA, these bears lack a set plan and are unfamiliar with the landscape, which can lead them to seek out easy food sources such as unsecured garbage, pet food, or bird feeders. The agency emphasized that the current level of bear activity is consistent with seasonal patterns and does not warrant special tracking efforts, as black bears are a common and established species in Tennessee.
The TWRA’s primary focus is ensuring human safety. To help residents coexist safely with bears, the agency recommends visiting BearWise.org, a resource that provides six key steps for preventing bear conflicts:
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Never feed or approach bears.
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Secure food, garbage, and recycling.
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Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
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Never leave pet food outdoors.
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Clean and store grills and smokers.
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Alert neighbors to bear activity.
If a bear is found on private property, the TWRA advises residents to make loud noises (e.g., banging pots and pans or shouting) and use non-aggressive intimidation tactics, such as waving arms or throwing small objects, to encourage the bear to leave. The goal is to make the area unattractive to the bear by removing food sources and giving it no reason to stay.
The agency also noted that relocating bears is generally not a viable solution. Relocated bears often struggle to survive in unfamiliar environments, face competition from other bears, or attempt to return to their original location, sometimes crossing dangerous roads or human settlements. For this reason, the TWRA prioritizes prevention and education over relocation.
For more information on staying safe in bear country, visit BearWise.org or contact the TWRA for guidance.
