News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Bear sightings have been reported in Spencer in the past two weeks, residents should avoid contact and stop habits that attract them.
Multiple people have reported seeing bears in residential areas recently, with many of them being at their own homes. TWRA agent Mime Barnes said no matter what environment you encounter bears in, try to exit as quickly as possible.
“We tell folks to slowly back away, make a lot of noise if you’re hiking or working in your yard, we’re naturally kind of noisy with our yard work, but should a bear be in the area never follow it,” Barnes said. “It’s great to take pictures of wildlife, but really that can put us in harm’s way.”
Barnes said you should never approach a bear cub, even if you think you may be able to help it in some way. She said mother bears are incredibly able in keeping watch and protecting, and that you do not want to get caught between her and her cubs.
As for why they are being seen at the moment, Barnes said this time of year is an important time of exploration for young bears.
“Our bears don’t always go into that deep hibernation that we see on TV,” Barnes said. “It really is about young bears moving out on their own for the first time.”
Barnes also said that bears have a great ability to find food of any kind, so if you leave anything out, they are likely to come for it.
“Remove bird feeders,” Barnes said. “It seems counterintuitive, but bird feeders can really attract bears. It’s a really quick easy meal, so by removing bird feeders when bears are active, you actually can keep bears moving and they’ll look for food elsewhere.”
Barnes said to keep your grills and outdoor areas free of food debris as those kinds of things really draw in the hungry bears in your area. If you wish to keep your area safe, she said to spread awareness when sightings occur and to stay away from the bears above all else.
