With bear sightings becoming more common throughout Middle Tennessee – including once recently in North Nashville — the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has issued advice to the public about how to deal with the situation:
- Never feed a bear. Feeding bears is illegal and dangerous.
- Secure outdoors food and garbage.
- Don’t leave pet food outdoors.
- Remove bird feeders where bears are active.
- Clean and store outdoor grills and smokers.
- Don’t approach a bear. Alert neighbors and law enforcement if a bear is spotted.
Bears can become aggressive and dangerous when they feel cornered or are protecting a food source. Mother bears are protective of their cubs and known to attack humans that they perceive as threats.
If a bear is spotted, keep away from it and go indoors if possible. Alert neighbors and call law enforcement or animal-control officials.
It is illegal to shoot or otherwise injure a bear unless it presents a clear and obvious threat, and violators will be prosecuted…