The Tennessee General Assembly has passed and Governor Bill Lee has signed Senate Bill 2597 (House Bill 2215), which aims to reduce human-bear conflicts by prohibiting the feeding of black bears in designated areas where the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has posted notices. The law makes it a Class B misdemeanor to knowingly feed black bears in these prohibited zones, with fines starting at $250. Unknowingly feeding bears—such as through unsecured garbage or food that is left accessible—results in a written warning for a first offense and the same $250 minimum fine for second or subsequent offenses.

The bill also authorizes the TWRA executive director to enter into limited agreements with local law enforcement agencies to assist in enforcing wildlife laws related to public safety and human-wildlife interactions, with requirements for regular reporting on any citations issued.

The new measures take effect on July 1, 2026. Supporters, including the Humane Society’s Tennessee state director Jessica Hyder, say the legislation is an important step for public safety and humane wildlife management. Feeding bears habituates them to humans, often leading to dangerous conflicts and the eventual death of the animals. The nonprofit notes that most negative bear encounters stem from access to human food or garbage, and that public education combined with proper attractant management is more effective at reducing conflicts than hunting. The bill focuses especially on high-tourism areas near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.