KINGSTON SPRINGS, Tenn. (WZTV) — Residents in part of Kingston Springs are being urged to stay alert after a reported black bear sighting on Thursday.
In a post shared on June 11 on Facebook, resident Erica Terry said a black bear was spotted walking through her yard and down the road in the Ranchettes neighborhood near Wax Wing Circle.
Wildlife officials say black bears are generally shy and tend to avoid people, but residents should take precautions if a bear is spotted nearby.
If you encounter a black bear:
Stay calm and give the bear plenty of space.
Do not approach, feed or attempt to follow the animal.
Keep pets indoors or on a leash.
Secure garbage, pet food and bird feeders that could attract bears.
If a bear approaches, make yourself appear large, make noise, and slowly back away. Do not run.
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Black bears are native to Tennessee, and sightings have become increasingly common as bear populations continue to expand into new areas of the state.