Tennessee’s diverse natural landscapes are home to a variety of wildlife, and among the most prominent are bears. Their presence contributes significantly to the state’s rich biodiversity. Understanding their habits and how to interact safely with them is important for both residents and visitors.
Black Bears in Tennessee
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the sole bear species found in Tennessee. These bears typically have black fur and a light brown snout, though coat color can vary. Adult black bears stand up to three feet tall at the shoulder, reach six feet in length, and weigh 125 to 600 pounds. Females are smaller than males.
Black bears are omnivores. Their diet is primarily plant-based, including berries, nuts, and acorns. They also consume insects, larvae, and carrion. Historically, black bears roamed across all of Tennessee, but their numbers declined significantly after European settlement. Conservation efforts, including establishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the 1930s, aided their recovery.
Bear Habitats and Distribution
Bear populations are concentrated in specific regions of Tennessee. The Appalachian Mountains, especially the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, are a primary habitat. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to an estimated 1,900 to 2,000 bears, a density of about two bears per square mile. They inhabit all elevations within the park.
Another bear population exists in the Cumberland Plateau, extending into Kentucky and Alabama. While bears were nearly eliminated from this area by the 1900s, sightings have increased since the 1980s, with some bears reintroduced to the Big South Fork area in the mid-1990s. These forested, mountainous areas provide preferred dense cover, water access, and food sources. While their primary range is eastern Tennessee, bears are expanding their territory, with sightings becoming more frequent in central Tennessee, especially near suitable habitats.
Coexisting with Bears
Minimize human-bear interactions by following safety measures in bear country. Bears have an exceptional sense of smell, detecting scents from over a mile away. Proper food storage is therefore important. Store all food, garbage, and scented items in bear-resistant containers or locked vehicles, especially when camping or visiting cabins. Bird feeders, pet food, and uncleaned grills also attract bears to residential areas and require careful management.
When encountering a bear, remain calm. If unnoticed, quietly move away. If the bear notices you, do not run; this can trigger a chase response, and bears can run up to 30 miles per hour.
Instead, stand your ground, appear as large as possible by raising your arms, and make noise to encourage the bear to leave. If a bear approaches or charges, fight back aggressively using any available objects, especially if it makes physical contact. Maintain a safe distance of at least 50 yards from bears.