The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 06:36 PM

Bear Tips To Keep Safe As State Wildlife Officials Report Bear Population On Rise

Experts warned the bear population was on the rise. Tennessee's Wildlife Resource Agency credits successful reproduction. So how do you stay safe if you're out and about or sitting on your porch? Here are nine tips that can help you when you encounter a bear:

• If you encounter a bear in the woods, do not approach the bear.
• Quietly walk away and leave the area immediately.
• Suppose the bear is in a dumpster, a building or simply around the corner? Give the bear a clear escape route.
• Back away and leave any and all doors open.
• Don't lock the bear in a room.
• If the bear is in your backyard, get a safe distance away and make loud noises. You can shout or bang pots and pans together.
• Once the bear leaves, remove possible bear attractants such as garbage, bird seed or pet food.
• Ask your neighbors to do the same.
• Check your yard before letting your animals outside.

This information comes from TWRA'S new site full of information on how to live responsibly with bears.

Carolyn Potter lives near the GSMNP and sees bears on a weekly basis.

"My agreement with the bears is if they stay at least 50 yards from the house, we can coexist nicely,' said Potter.

Wildlife experts told Local 8 News there are no natural remedies to rid your property of bears, but you can keep all animal food inside and lock up your trash.

The goal is to make sure bears do not feel welcome near your home.

"Generally, if you jump up and down and make a big noise, they'll go away," Potter suggested.

TWRA officials said there are two fatal bear attacks recorded in Tennessee history. The last non-fatal attack was in 2015.

Experts said female bears could go into hibernation as early as this month. It could be late December or January before males start hibernating.