Bear Sightings on the Rise in Wayne County

Bear sightings are on the rise again in Wayne County! Over the past few years, some bears have been captured on trail cams or spotted crossing roadways in Wayne County, but fortunately, there have been no reports of any human vs. bear contact – not yet, anyway.

On July 19, Sheri Kalins made a post on Facebook, stating, “Bear sightings are on the rise near the Southern middle TN/AL state line, specifically the Natchez Trace area. The last one we had a few weeks ago was near Highway 64 and the Trace in Waynesboro. It seems the developments, floods, and everything else that's happened out East is driving them further west. We've always had a few wander through the area, but not as much as we've seen lately. I'd say it's safe to assume they're going to be here, and it's time to keep your garbage and feed in containers they can't get into.” Good advice, Shari, as it looks like the bear population will only keep growing here.

According to TWRA, black bears roamed all of Tennessee at one time. “After European settlement, the numbers started dropping,” said TWRA. “Thanks to conservation and management efforts from all the Southeast states involved with the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (SEAFWA), black bears are making a dramatic comeback in the Southeast.”

As bears expand into areas with suitable habitats, it is important for communities to learn how to coexist with them. Important things to know about bears include:

• While black bears are usually tolerant of humans, they should always be treated as wild animals, whether in residential or backcountry areas.

• Black bears are rarely aggressive towards people and typically go out of their way to avoid contact, however as human development continues and bear numbers increase, occasional interactions will be unavoidable.

• Black bears are extremely powerful animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable.

• Black bears are very curious animals and this should not be confused with aggression.

• Startled bears will often confront intruders by turning sideways to appear larger, make woofing and teeth clacking sounds, salivate, lay their ears back and slap the ground with their paws. These are warnings for you to leave the area.

• Bears will often stand on their hind legs to get a better view or a better sense of hearing and smell.

On July 7, Melanie Cromwell posted an actual photo of the bear she spotted on Highway 64 West going toward Clifton.

Jarod Allen Stricklin of Waynesboro reported a bear sighting on July 6. He said, “A black bear just crossed the road in front of me by the Waynesboro dump…that was crazy!”

Crazy indeed! We’re not used to seeing many bears around here, but when we do, we should always remember TWRA’s advice. They may look like cute and cuddly teddy bears, but in reality, they are wild animals that must be respected. For more information on black bears and how we can coexist with them, visit the TWRA website at https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/mammals/large/black-bears.html.

The Wayne County News would love to see any photos taken of bears in Wayne County. You can email them to us at news@waynecountynews.net.