While grizzly bears are a prominent symbol of North American wilderness, they are not found in Tennessee. The state’s diverse ecosystems, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Cumberland Plateau, are home to a different species. Visitors and residents in Tennessee will only encounter the American Black Bear within its natural habitats.
Tennessee’s Native Bear Species
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the sole native bear species inhabiting Tennessee. Their population has recovered in the state, with current estimates between 5,500 and 6,000 individuals. They are primarily found in two main populations: the Appalachian population along the Tennessee-North Carolina border, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest, and the Cumberland population in the northern Cumberland Plateau. Historically, black bears roamed across all of Tennessee, but their numbers declined after European settlement. Conservation efforts, particularly the establishment of protected areas in the 1930s, aided their recovery.
Tennessee’s black bears are black with a straight, brown snout. Adult males can measure between 4 to 7 feet long and weigh up to 500 pounds, while females are generally smaller. They possess an exceptional sense of smell, reported to be 100 times greater than a human’s, which helps them locate food. While their diet is primarily vegetarian, consisting of vegetation, berries, nuts, and insects, they are opportunistic omnivores.
Historical Range of Grizzly Bears
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) historically occupied western and northwestern North America. Their distribution extended from Alaska down to Mexico and from the Pacific Ocean eastward to the Mississippi River. However, their presence was concentrated in the western half of the contiguous United States, not southeastern states like Tennessee.
With European expansion and settlement, grizzly bear populations declined across their historical range. They were viewed as threats to livestock and human safety, leading to hunting and trapping. Today, viable grizzly populations in the contiguous United States are largely confined to specific ecosystems in states like Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. The closest grizzly bear population is more than 1,500 miles away from Tennessee.
Distinguishing Bear Species
While both black bears and grizzly bears are found in North America, they possess distinct physical characteristics that differentiate them. One difference is the prominent shoulder hump on grizzly bears, absent in black bears. This hump is a muscle mass used for digging. Black bears, in contrast, have their highest point in the middle of their back or rump.
Another feature is the facial profile. Grizzly bears have a “dished” or concave profile from their eyes to the tip of their nose, whereas black bears have a straighter facial profile. Claws also differ: grizzly bears have longer, straighter claws (2.5 inches or more) suited for digging, while black bears have shorter, more curved claws (1.5 inches at most) better adapted for climbing trees. Grizzly bears have smaller, more rounded ears in proportion to their head, while black bears have larger, more pointed ears.
Coexisting with Tennessee’s Bears
Since American Black Bears are present in Tennessee, understanding how to coexist with them is important for safety. Never intentionally feed or approach bears, as this can lead them to associate humans with food and become habituated, detrimental to both bears and people. Bears are highly attracted to human food sources and garbage, so securing all attractants is important. This includes storing garbage in bear-resistant containers, cleaning grills after use, and bringing pet food and bird feeders indoors, especially when bears are active.
When encountering a bear, remain calm and avoid running to avoid triggering a chase response. Instead, make your presence known by yelling, and appear as large as possible by raising your arms. Slowly back away while facing the bear, to give it space to leave. If a black bear approaches persistently or attacks, fight back aggressively with any available objects. Keeping dogs leashed is also important, as an unleashed dog can provoke a bear encounter.