The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) is warning drivers to be cautious of black bears, especially during the summer when they are most active, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
TDOT has also noticed an increase in littering along the state’s roads and scenic byways during this season. They remind everyone that food waste is considered litter and attracts animals to roadways, which poses risks to both wildlife and drivers.
To combat this, TDOT has installed 80 bear-proof trash cans branded with “Nobody Trashes Tennessee” along seven of the state’s 13 scenic byways. These containers are designed to keep bears from accessing food waste, helping to protect them and maintain cleanliness.
Dan Gibbs, TWRA’s Black Bear Coordinator, emphasized the importance of keeping bears wild by not feeding them or leaving food accessible. TWRA receives over 1,200 bear conflict reports annually, mostly involving bears getting into trash.
Here are some guidelines to avoid dangerous encounters with bears:
- Never feed or approach bears.
- Store food in vehicles and away from tents while camping.
- Alter your route if you see a bear from a distance.
- Make noise to scare bears away.
- Stand your ground if approached; raise your arms to make yourself appear larger and use objects to defend yourself if necessary.
- Never run from a bear; if attacked, fight back aggressively.
For more information on bear safety, visit bearwise.org. Report any aggressive bear behavior to TWRA at tn.gov/twra/law-enforcement#accident.
Source: The Trucker
