Bear Encounters in the Knoxville Area: What to Do If You and Your Pet Cross Paths

With all of our beautiful wooded areas, we are no stranger to a variety of animal breeds in Knoxville. If you spend a lot of time outside, you are probably likely to encounter a bear at some point. This guide will help you keep you and your pet safe if you should cross paths with a bear:

Black Bear Habitat and Behavior

Within a relatively short drive of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville residents are well accustomed to our proximity to black bears. 

• Black bears are most active in the early morning and after sunset when they are hungry and looking for food. 
• Black bears typically mate in July and 1-4 bear cubs are born the following winter. Cubs stay with their mother for about a year and a half. 
• Nuisance reports surge in the summer because mating behaviors widen territory, potentially leading to increased human/pet encounters. 
• Black bears emerge from their winter sleep in March or April, and look for easy meals.
• This food-seeking behavior leads them to crossing paths with humans, especially if there is trash left out. 
• They are omnivorous and, if food is routinely left out for them (whether on purpose or by accident), black bears can develop a pattern that is dangerous for all involved. 

Out and About

If you ever cross paths with a black bear, there are some important strategies to stay safe:

• Do not engage with a black bear (don’t call to them, hold out food, or follow them)
• Avoid places that look like den sites, such as hollow tree stumps
• Never get between a female black bear and her cubs
• Do not touch a black bear cub, even if they look abandoned or orphaned
• Make enough noise to alert them to your presence and continue shouting or blowing whistles until they move in the other direction.
• You can also throw things, such as rocks, to startle them, but try to avoid hitting them.
• If there isn’t enough distance between you and a black bear, recede gradually while still facing them, waving your arms, and shouting at them.

Bear Safety for Pet Owners

While most dogs enjoy some freedom on trails or in the woods, if they encounter a black bear there are big risks to each animal. Keep dogs leashed at all times. Bears will defend themselves against a perceived threat. In fact, some evidence suggests that many bear attacks are actually triggered by dogs. You should also:

• Never allow your dog to roam
• Do not assume your dog will show their amazing recall skills while in bear country
• Do not use a retractable leash
• Keep them crated at night while camping or when you need to be hands free
• Keep pet food in airtight containers
• Watch the trail for any signs of bear activity, such as scat, paw prints, and hair
• Keep bear spray on hand just in case
• Always lock up your garbage at night inside a container or vehicle

Black bear sightings should be reported to the local police or Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Please give us a call at (865) 609‑0311 if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s safety, behavior, or health.