Majority of bears ‘humanely killed’ by TWRA in 2024 were in Gatlinburg

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — So far in 2024, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has had to humanely kill 22 bears because they became public safety risks. A majority of those bears were in Gatlinburg, a TWRA spokesperson shared.

This year, there have been the most human-bear physical contact incidents in the last five years, according to the TWRA.

In 2024, there have been nine recorded incidents of human-bear physical contact, seven of which were in Gatlinburg, one was in Cosby, and one was in Sevierville. The next highest year for human-bear physical contact since 2019 was 2020, when there were six.

TWRA spokesperson Matt Cameron explained that human contact is not the only prerequisite for the TWRA to determine whether a bear must be killed. The TWRA utilizes a “Bear Nuisance Matrix” to denote what measure needs to be taken, from placing signs and monitoring the area to catching and relocating the bear up to humanely killing them.

Cameron explained that 22 bears year have been “humanely killed” because of public safety risks as of Thursday evening, and 17 of those were in Gatlinburg. One bear was killed in Cocke County, and another bear was humanely killed after it got into a Blount County Rental. The total of 22 also does not include three bears that the TWRA euthanized because they had injuries that they would not survive.

According to the data, 22 is not a record, but it is close and the year isn’t over yet. The only other year since 2020 with more bears killed by the TWRA was 2022 with 23 bears humanely killed because of their dangerous behavior.

The TWRA also takes other steps to minimize human-bear conflict. Cameron explained that as of August 29, the TWRA had taken 21 bear cubs to Appalachian Bear Rescue, hazed and released 18 bears on site, and relocated two bears this year.

One common question asked when discussing human-bear conflicts is “Why can’t nuisance bears just be relocated?” Previously, the TWRA explained to 6 News that relocating nuisance bears just passes the problem to someone else, and research showed that a relocated bear usually dies within a year because it is killed after exhibiting aggressive behavior, being struck by a vehicle, or from public land hunting.

Appalachian Bear Rescue posted on Facebook earlier this week about the issue, explaining that 10 of the cubs in their care came to the rescue after their mothers were killed. They said another 11 cubs came to the rescue after they or their mother was hit by a vehicle.

“Twice in our history (2011 and 2015), we’ve reached our record intake of 36 bears in one calendar year. Both of those years were food crop failure years in our area. Usually, that’s what drives up the number of ABR intakes. This year is very different. To date, we’ve taken in 31 orphaned cubs. There is no food crop failure. This year, orphaning is all about conflict,” ABR wrote.

Currently, the Appalachian Bear Rescue has 28 bears, including Meadow Bear whose mother was hit by a vehicle in Gatlinburg, and Spruce, a 26-pound yearling who came to the rescue after Great Smoky Mountains National Park Services got calls reporting a “small, sad bear” sitting on a rock in the Tremont area.

“As individuals, homeowners’ associations, businesses, city, county and state governments, we must do better. If we are lucky enough to live, work and play in bear country, we must respect the natural resources that make this place so special,” the rescue urged.

Currently, there is no state law prohibiting feeding bears or engaging in behaviors that acclimate bears to humans, however, the City of Gatlinburg began posting signage that feeding bears and unsecured trash are illegal under a city ordinance last month. The TWRA explained that the consequence of feeding bears or knowingly leaving out food or trash that would knowingly feed them is a $50 fine, plus nearly $200 in court costs.

State officials are also working to ban feeding bears statewide , with hopes that stiff penalties will “outweigh the pleasure of the crime.”

Those who live in areas where bears should always remember the six BearWise Basics :

• Never feed or approach bears.
• Secure food, garbage and recycling.
• Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
• Never leave pet food outside.
• Clean and store grills.
• Know what to do if you see a bear.

Black bears are seldom aggressive and attacks are rare, but if you see a bear before it notices you stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment; then move away quietly in the opposite direction.

If you encounter a bear that is aware of you, don’t run, as running may trigger a chase response, instead, back away slowly. Make sure bears are not cornered and have an escape route during any encounters.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Within 12 hours of this story being published, Appalachian Bear Rescue reported that another mother bear had to be euthanized in Gatlinburg because of dangerous behavior. This story has been updated to include the additional cub in the total amount of bears in Appalachian Bear Rescue’s care.

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