Bear In Tree Draws Crowd
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) – A black bear spotted high in a tree drew attention in Cleveland Wednesday morning as residents stopped to watch the unusual scene unfold.
Cleveland Police and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency crews responded to the area as the bear remained in the tree for an extended period and bystanders gathered at a safe distance.
Early onlookers Stephanie Pope and Deej Bloxson-Pope described what they saw, saying, “I called her to come meet me and here we are and it’s the cutest little thing. He or she is hanging upside down just looking and looks like he might be scared but you don’t expect to see bears in Cleveland you expect to see him in Gatlinburg or Cades Cove, so this is quite an experience.”
They also shared their thoughts on why the bear may have ended up in the tree, adding, “Well it’s kind of contained in a fence it probably couldn’t find its way out and or way down scared to come down but hopefully the Tennessee wildlife can figure out some way to get it down.”
With Blythe Bower Elementary School located less than a mile away, the situation was also being monitored with student safety in mind as the morning continued.
Cleveland Police Community Relations Captain Evie West urged the public to keep their distance from the animal while the situation was being handled, noting past incidents where people attempted to approach or follow bears. “You know a couple years ago we did have some reports of a bear running loose on Paul Huff Parkway and I remember that people would get their cars and try to chase it or run it down or get videos we totally recommend people not doing that obviously take precautions getting your animals or your children inside your homes to make sure that everyone’s safe,” West said.
West also encouraged anyone who spots a bear to call 9-1-1 so responders can coordinate with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
She added that the bear may have climbed the tree to escape heat and activity below, saying, “It’s very hot out here and if I had the means to do so I’d probably climb up that tree too. To keep cool because I’m out here, I mean it’s there’s a lot of cars and of course it’s bringing a lot of attention here, so people are driving around there’s a lot of a people a lot of activity going on he’s just probably trying to find us a safe cool spot to relax until sundown.”
Wildlife officials say bear sightings tend to increase in late spring and early summer as younger bears leave their mothers and search for food, water, and shelter.
Residents are encouraged to secure trash, remove outdoor food sources, and avoid approaching or feeding bears.
The bear remained in the tree as crews continued monitoring the situation to ensure safety for nearby residents and students.
