Bears in the Mid-State Multiple black bear sightings in Middle tennessee

story By ashle I gh newnes

photos By Jackson carr

If yOu’ve paId the slIghtest bIt of attention to the news or social media in June, you’ve likely seen multiple reports of black bear sightings in areas of Middle Tennessee where they aren’t typically seen. It’s common knowledge that one can make the fairly short drive to the Smoky Mountains and view these magnificent creatures, but seeing and hearing of them in our own backyards in the mid-state can be more than a little unsettling.

The first reports of a seemingly lost and wandering bear came in around June 7, from near Lewisburg. Over the following nine days there were multiple reports of this curious critter being sighted and caught on video. The next sightings came from Columbia, followed by Thompson’s Station the next day. The bear continues to move to the north, being seen next in Franklin and then in two different areas of Nashville. TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) did confirm that there was a black bear struck by a vehicle in Nashville around the same time as these sightings.

The track shifted direction, and the next glimpse was caught in the Smyrna area. There were also reports of sightings in Murfreesboro the following day. It seemed that just as quickly as it appeared and caught our attention it disappeared back into the wild, as reports died off. However, there were multiple reports and some pretty amazing photos of a large bear in different areas of Manchester more than a week later. TWRA issued a statement saying that they suspect these are two different bears, as the Manchester bear appears to be significantly larger than the first.

There are several reasons that we’ve had an abrupt increase in black bears sightings in areas where they’re not typically seen. We are in the time of year when new births of baby bears are resulting in a growing population, meaning more competition for food. The rapid population growth and subsequent construction in the mid-state have impacted all wildlife with a reduction in the size of natural areas where those creatures had been residing. Predators are forced to leave their normal areas in search of food for themselves and their young. Unfortunately, this leads to disoriented animals who wander into populated areas and alarm the human residents. When all of these factors are taken into consideration, it’s no wonder that these beautiful but potentially pesky critters are wandering into our backyards!

Since it’s been confirmed over and over that there are in fact bears in the area, it’s wise to take proper precautions to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our pets safe. Small dogs and cats are easy targets who cannot defend themselves and should be kept inside or supervised outside for the time being. As for us humans, it is important to remember that, where black bears are concerned, you should not play dead; instead, make yourself large and loud in the instance of an encounter. Be a threat and fight back if needed, and always escape if possible. Of course, staying out of their path in the first place is your best bet.

Recent trends show bear populations rising alongside human populations; it is reasonable, then, to expect that these human/bear interactions will continue. We humans need to take proper precautions to keep both ourselves and our beloved pets safe. Equally important are the safety and well-being of these majestic creatures— after all, this was their home first. These potential encounters are nerve-racking for certain; however, the opportunity to see these beautiful beings in our area is exciting indeed!