JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) – A black bear first spotted near the Carroll-Henderson County line has been seen in multiple locations across Madison County, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Viewers sent camera footage to WBBJ showing the bear near Christmasville Road and Henderson Road. Jackson resident Benita Ledbetter described watching the animal move between several yards in the area.
“It came between my neighbor’s yard and then it galloped across the street into this yard and then it went to the neighbors other yard and went behind the houses,” Ledbetter said. “So where the bear is at I do not know, but I seen it for my own self.”
What residents should know
TWRA said summer is when the agency receives more calls about bears, as the animals can cover long distances while searching for food and water. Officials warned residents not to approach the bear or attempt to track it, saying that can create a dangerous situation.
Jackson resident Alex McAlpin said he spotted the bear on what had otherwise been a slow day.
“You know it was a pretty boring day, I wasn’t, wasn’t much going on at work so you know it made the whole day better,” McAlpin said. “Rainy day, you know didn’t think there was going to be much going on and I saw a bear and I was like huh that’s pretty cool. Made the day pretty interesting.”
BearWise recommends the following steps to avoid attracting bears: securing trash and recycling, removing bird feeders, bringing pet food inside, and cleaning and properly storing grills and smokers.
TWRA said if the bear is not disturbed, it will likely continue moving through the area.
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