Just Passing Through

Black Bear Sow resting on tree limb while passing through the Green Hill Road area in Dandridge, TN
Photo submitted by TWRA Officer Wayne Rich

A Black Bear Sow and three Black Bear Cubs have been spotted passing through the Green Hill Road area near Dandridge, Wednesday, July 20, 2016 as reported to The Post by TWRA Officer Wayne Rich. According to Rich, the same bear and cubs have made the trek from Smokies Stadium in Kodak to Dumplin Loop and now to Green Hill Road over the past few days. “She is just passing through” says Officer Rich. Although Jefferson County does have a small resident bear population, this mother and her cubs are just visiting. Caution should be exercised however. Do not approach this bear or her cubs if you happen to see them. Keep trash and cans inside as well as pet food. You should make noise when going outside especially at night so you don’t surprise her. A mother bear with cubs can be dangerous if she feels she or her cubs are threatened. After a few days, she should pass on through.