#460 Tennessee Is Bear Country: Understanding Human-Bear Conflict

Tune in to the latest Tennessee WildCast episode for a candid, eye-opening conversation with TWRA bear experts Dan Gibbs and Janelle Musser, recorded right after the recent commission meeting.

From historic bears roaming all the way to Memphis, to today’s thriving population of around 6,000, this is the real story of one of Tennessee’s greatest wildlife comeback successes – and the growing challenges that come with it.

You’ll discover why bear conflicts are rising even when the population is stable, why it’s almost always about human behavior (trash, bird feeders, deer corn, chicken coops), and how simple changes like bear-resistant cans and electric fencing can prevent most issues. They also share what really happened when Gatlinburg went bear-proof, why “moving the problem bear” rarely works, and what the new deer baiting rules could mean next fall.

Whether you’re seeing your first backyard bear or you’ve lived here forever, this episode is packed with practical advice for keeping bears wild and people safe. Plus, get a look at the brand-new “Tennessee is Bear Country” license plate and the one website every Tennessean needs: BearWise.org.

Don’t miss it – grab your coffee and tune in now! To purchase a license for great hunting and fishing adventures in Tennessee, visit gooutdoorstennessee.com.