Black Bear sightings in the area
KINGSPORT – On the morning of June 1, 2011, the Kingsport Police Department received several phone calls reporting sightings of a black bear.‚ These calls came from residents in
The City of
BEAR SAFETY TIPS
‚·‚ Dont feed bears (even by accident).
‚·‚ Bears will eat out of gardens and bird feeders.
‚·‚ Do not leave pet bard out.
‚·‚ Securely store garbage.
‚·‚ Use caution when grilling. Keep it clean when not in use.
‚·‚ Dont approach bears and dont chase bears.
‚·‚ If a bear approaches you, slowly back away and go inside.
‚·‚ If you see a bear cub, assume the mother is nearby.
‚·‚ Do not allow pets to chase or antagonize bears.
If you see a bear, you may call the Kingsport Police Department. The responding officer will most likely just monitor the bears location and direction of travel. The bear will not be removed unless they feel it is becoming a nuisance or a dangerous threat to public safety. For more information on bear safety, you may also call
‚·‚ Kingsport Police Department Dispatch 246-9111 or 911
‚·‚ K.P.D. Community Relations 229-9433
‚·‚ Bays Mountain Park 229-9447
‚·‚ Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency 800-332-0900
To see the attached Bear Encounters Safety Bulletin click here.