Black bear calls increase this time of year, as bears exploring for new territory enter neighborhoods in search of food, water and shelter. TWRA is asking the public to become bear wise.

Black bears have a natural fear of humans and will move away from an area quickly unless there is food available. Humans sometimes provide for bears through attractants such as bird feeders, trash, grills, and pet food bowls with leftover food. Following a few guidelines can decrease negative interactions and help bears stay wild.

Bears accustomed to food provided by humans pose a greater threat. TWRA biologists and wildlife officers remind Tennesseans of the adage, A fed bear is a dead bear. Bears habituated to human foods present a threat. Removing attractants will allow bears to move on.

Dealing with a nuisance bear is a difficult process with many variables. Trapping a bear is challenging, dangerous, and often impossible in residential areas where domestic animals are common. TWRA officials try to address the reasons a bear is in an area. Trapping and relocation is a last resort.

Biologists and wildlife officers take numerous variables into account including the number of times a bear has caused an issue, the level of aggressiveness, the location, and the nuisance concern itself. The issue is most often human related. Relocating a conditioned, dangerous bear to another area just moves the problem and this isnt an option, said Region 3 Big Game Biologist, Ben Layton. Bears will travel impressive distances to return to an area where they easily found food. We simply need to change human behavior and not provide easy access to food.

TWRAs goal is to help people understand their behavior often causes nuisance issues. If we change these behaviors, everyone is safe. Following a few recommendations can decrease negative interactions and help bears stay wild.

More here:
The Necessity Of Being Bear Wise - The Chattanoogan