Local officials provide safety tips following black bear sighting
TWRA responded Monday to call of black bear near Collegedale Greenway
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) — Black bears have been making their presence known in local communities recently, spurring responses from local police and wildlife agencies.
On Monday, the Collegedale Police Department tweeted a bear sighting near the Collegedale Greenway, advising residents to steer clear of the area.
In wake of the incident, local officials have offered plenty of safety tips.
Cpl. Cory McNeal says calls came in from residents about a black bear near Spalding Drive and Tucker Highway, but responding officials did not find it.
Nonetheless, in the case of a black bear encounter, McNeal says communication with the proper authorities is key.
“You want to definitely make sure you have your trash cans somewhere secured and obviously you’re maintaining awareness of your surroundings,” McNeal said. “But call local police — we’ll get there and try to contain it, get with TWRA and go from there.”
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency responded to the scene and shot rubber bullets at the bear, causing it to leave the area.
Wildlife Information Specialist Mime Barnes says the bear was a young juvenile male looking for an easy meal.
“It was attracted to bird feeders,” Barnes said. “That is an easy meal for all wildlife. We just ask folks to keep their yards tidy and consider what might attract wildlife to their yards.”
In addition to rummaging through trash and gobbling bird seed, Barnes says other attractions for black bears include greasy grills and unpicked produce from gardens.
To those who unintentionally run into a black bear, she offers the following advice:
“Be loud!” Barnes said. “Make yourself look big. Ensure you’re not blocking that animal into a corner of a building and a garage. Make sure it has an out and a way to turn away from you. Never run from any wildlife! Slowly back away and just give that animal a chance to move away from you, as well.”
McNeal adds that you should never approach the animal under any circumstances — just safely follow the appropriate guidelines in response to encountering a black bear so both you and it can get home safely.
