News Summary
An ongoing investigation by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) focuses on intentional bear feeding in the Lovell Road area of Knoxville. Recent bear sightings have increased, prompting public safety warnings. Residents are advised on the dangers of feeding bears, as it can lead to dangerous animal behavior. The TWRA encourages safe coexistence practices to minimize risks associated with bear encounters. As bear populations expand into urban areas, it is crucial for residents to stay informed and proactive to maintain safety for both humans and wildlife.
Knoxville – An investigation is ongoing after a reported case of intentional bear feeding in the Lovell Road area, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). This incident comes amid a noticeable increase in bear sightings across the Knoxville area, prompting public safety warnings from wildlife officials.
The TWRA has confirmed that a bear was spotted roaming near Pinnacle Assisted Living Community and Schaeffer Road, closely linking it to the Lovell Road feeding incident. The agency is taking these matters seriously as they emphasize that both intentional and unintentional feeding of bears can lead to property damage and pose safety risks to residents.
Over the last week alone, three bear sightings were confirmed in Northeast Knoxville’s Loves Creek and Washington Pike areas. These include:
- A large black bear sighting on Shelbourne Road near Alice Bell Elementary School on March 26 at approximately 7 a.m.
- A second sighting later that same evening near Spring Hill Elementary School around 9:30 p.m.
- A third sighting that occurred the following Sunday night across from a resident’s home near Buffat Mill Road and Loves Creek around 9 p.m.
Bear Feeding Risks
The TWRA warns that feeding bears can lead to problematic behavior. While there is no legal prohibition on feeding bears in Knoxville, it is illegal in Gatlinburg. The agency maintains that being “BearWise” is crucial for ensuring that residents can safely coexist with these animals. Public awareness regarding bear sightings has increased, aided by the prevalence of home security and trail cameras documenting wildlife in residential areas.
Historically, black bears have been confined to remote, mountainous regions. However, their populations have expanded significantly, with sightings becoming more common in urban locales like Knoxville over the past decade. March, in particular, has been noted for increased bear activity, attributed to warming temperatures that push bears out of their winter denning behavior.
The TWRA advises residents to take proactive steps to avoid encountering bears. Keeping food securely stored and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors can diminish the chances of attracting bears. Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to keep their animals leashed when venturing outside.
Although black bears are rarely aggressive and attacks on humans are uncommon, caution is strongly recommended when residents encounter them. If a bear is sighted, the TWRA requests that individuals report the sighting through their online platform while maintaining a safe distance from the animal.
Guidelines and Resources
The TWRA provides various guidelines for safe coexistence with bears and encourages the public to visit BearWise.org for more information on bear safety and behavior. These resources aim to educate residents on the best practices for living in proximity to wildlife while also understanding how to minimize risks associated with bear encounters.
As bear sightings continue to gain attention in Knoxville, residents are urged to remain alert, informed, and responsible in order to foster a safer environment for both humans and wildlife.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bear Alert in Knoxville as Spring Arrives
Festive Events Happening in Knoxville This Week
Additional Resources
- WBIR: 911 Calls on Bear Sightings in Knoxville
- Wikipedia: Black bear
- CBS News: Tennessee Bear Attack Staged Murder
- Google Search: Bears in Knoxville
- Knox News: Are There Bears in Knoxville
- Google Scholar: Bear Behavior
- USA Today: Bear Attack in Tennessee
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bear Encounters
- WBIR: Bears in Knoxville and East Tennessee
- Google News: Bear Sightings Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
