This is the time of year we start to get complaints about nuisant bears.  They have emerged from their dens and are looking for an easy meal.

A little “bear prevention education” may help in preventing bear problems around your home.  Bears have a natural instinct to be afraid of man.  This instinct is very strong. But if food is scarce, hunger will cause a bear to do things he wouldn’t normally do.  Things we do around our homes will make it easier for a bear to lose his fear of man.  Leaving garbage outside is an open invitation to a hungry bear.  Keeping garbage in a closed garage or storage building will help prevent attracting bears.  Do not let your garbage accumulate.  Many people enjoy feeding birds around their homes.  Bears like bird seed, too.  If you live near bear habitat, we recommend that you cease feeding birds from May until October and later if the acorn crop is poor.  If you still feed birds at this time, it would help if you bring your feeders in 2 hours before dark and not put them out again until 2 hours after daylight.  Leaving empty feeders hanging outside can still attract bears if they smell the seed residue. You also run the risk of loosing your feeder.    Pet food should not be left outside either.  Do not feed your pet any more than it will clean up.  Bring your feed bowls and containers inside after feeding.  Food residue left in the bowl could attract them.  If you have a garden, you might consider installing an electric fence around it.  By all means do not intentionally feed bears.  Doing so could cause the bear to become aggressive.

  If you have a recurrent problem with a bear, call the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and we will come evaluate the situation to see what needs to be done.  Please do not call if you just happen to see a bear.  He could just be passing through.  Hopefully this information has helped you become more “bear savvy” and will help you prevent any problems from beginning.