Bear sightings in Knoxville have steadily increased over the past decade. TWRA put out an ask after a report from Lovell Road that someone intentionally fed a bear.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Don’t feed the bears. For people in the foothills of East Tennessee, where bears frequently roam, that’s common knowledge. It’s also a legal requirement in places like Gatlinburg. 

In Knoxville, however, someone reportedly fed a bear intentionally in the Lovell Road area, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The agency said one of its officers is currently investigating the situation.

It’s unclear if it’s the same bear, but one was spotted roaming in West Knoxville on Monday around Pinnacle Assisted Living Community and Schaeffer Road, which is near Lovell Road. 


“Unfortunately, we’re seeing more instances where individuals are placing food out for wildlife in order to view them, which often leads to complaints from neighbors,” TWRA said.

TWRA is asking people to stay BearWise no matter where they live in East Tennessee. Black bear activity and sightings have been steadily on the rise in the Knoxville area over the past decade, so it’s important for people to know how to safely live alongside them.

“However, this year does not appear to be significantly higher than recent years. It’s important to note that more reports don’t always mean more bears—oftentimes, it reflects increased public awareness of how and where to report sightings,” TWRA said. “Additionally, the widespread use of home security and trail cameras has helped people detect wildlife that may have always been present but previously went unnoticed.”

In Knoxville, TWRA said there is no law against people feeding a bear. It’s only illegal to do so in the city limits of Gatlinburg. That doesn’t mean you should feed a bear, though. TWRA said intentional and unintentional feeding can cause property damage and safety issues for the public and the bears, so it’s good to know how to be BearWise.


BearWise Tips

If you live in East Tennessee, then you are in bear country! There’s a good chance you’ll see black bears here, even if you never go into the woods.      


Don’t Feed the Bears

  • Don’t leave food, trash or pet food outdoors when no one is around. A few seconds is all it takes for a hungry bear to swipe it.
  • Feeding bears or using food to encourage bears to approach you is often illegal and always dangerous.
  • Don’t throw scraps or leftovers out the car window or into the woods behind your vacation rental.
  • If a trash container or dumpster is full, don’t pile trash outside; take it with you when you leave.
  • Bird feeders = tasty bear snacks. It’s best to remove bird feeders when black bears are active.


Bear Viewing Guidelines

  • Stay in your vehicle; even bears that seem comfortable around people are still wild animals.
  • Never approach bears or entice them to approach you.
  • Enjoy bears from a safe distance. Stay at least 50 yards or 10 car lengths away.
  • Don’t block the road to view bears. If permitted, pull over and take photos from the safety of your vehicle. 

If you want to see bears, early morning and early evening are good times for viewing and photography.


Driving in Bear Country

  • Stay alert, stick to the speed limit and scan the roadsides. If a bear crosses the road, watch for cubs before you drive on. 
  • Be especially alert at dawn and dusk when bears are most active; black bears are fast and hard to see.
  • If you hit a bear, don’t try to help it. Call 911 or report to authorities as soon as you can.

Wildlife collisions are not always covered by insurance.


Dogs and bears don’t mix. 

Keep your dog on a leash at all times when outdoors. Letting your dog approach or lunge at a bear puts you and your pet in danger.


Discourage Break-Ins

  • Lock vehicles; don’t leave windows open even a crack. Remove anything with an odor (food, drinks, trash, pet food, scented products).
  • Keep exterior doors closed, even when you’re there.
  • Don’t stash food, beverages, trash or recycling on porches/patios/decks. 


If You See a Black Bear

  • If a bear comes around your place, try to scare it away by making lots of noise, yelling or banging pots and pans together from a safe distance.
  • If you see a bear near a dumpster or in a building, don’t approach or corner it. Give the bear an escape route. 

Black bears are seldom aggressive and attacks are rare.

  • Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
  • If you see a bear before it notices you: Stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction.
  • If you encounter a bear that is aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.

Visit BearWise.org to learn what to do if a black bear approaches, charges or follows you.