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Black Bears Emerge From Winter Slumber as Warm Weather Arrives
Wildlife experts warn residents in bear country to prepare for increased bear activity and encounters.
Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:06pm
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As March brings warmer weather, black bears are emerging from their winter slumber in Tennessee and Georgia. Wildlife experts are advising residents in bear country to start making preparations, such as securing trash cans, removing bird feeders, and cleaning outdoor cooking grills, to prevent conflicts with the growing bear populations in urban and suburban areas.
Why it matters
Black bear populations across the Southeast are on the rise, leading to more encounters between bears and people, even in urban areas. Proper management of potential bear attractants is crucial to preventing conflicts and ensuring the safety of both bears and residents.
The details
Black bears, the region's largest predator, are emerging from their winter state of "torpor" as temperatures warm in March. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency estimates the state's black bear population at around 6,500. With the growing human population, bear sightings have increased, even in cities like Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Nashville. Primary attractants include unsecured trash cans, pet dishes, bird feeders, and outdoor cooking grills. Experts warn that intentional or unintentional feeding of bears can lead to them approaching homes and humans for food, which can be dangerous.
- Black bears have been on the move in the North Georgia mountains since the beginning of March.
The players
Dan Gibbs
The bear program coordinator for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Gerald Hodge Jr.
The founder and CEO of Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears Inc, a nonprofit group based in Ellijay, Georgia.
Mime Barnes
A spokesperson for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
What they’re saying
“We tell everybody to remember the state of Tennessee historically had bears from one end of the state to the other, and these bears are slowly reclaiming that former range. Just because that former range has a big city in it now doesn't mean they won't utilize the area. We have lots of cities all across America that have lots of bears.”
— Dan Gibbs, Bear program coordinator, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
“It's important to eliminate attractants like hummingbird feeders and pet and livestock food, because the intentional and unintentional feeding of black bears teaches them to approach homes and humans for food.”
— Gerald Hodge Jr., Founder and CEO, Appalachia Georgia Friends of the Bears Inc
What’s next
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are charter members of BearWise, an association that provides consistent messaging about coexisting with bears. Residents are encouraged to visit BearWise.org to learn more about how to bear-proof their yards and neighborhoods.
The takeaway
As black bear populations continue to grow and expand their range across the Southeast, it is crucial for residents in bear country to take proactive steps to manage potential attractants and prevent conflicts. By working together to coexist with these large predators, communities can ensure the safety of both people and bears.
