North Clinton got an uninvited, four-legged visitor on Wednesday evening when a bear was spotted roaming the area, prompting police to put neighbors on alert. Residents were urged to keep their distance, keep a close eye on pets, and absolutely not try to approach the animal. Officers stressed that running can trigger a chase and asked anyone who sees the bear to report it so authorities can track where it is headed.
Police advisory and how to report
The Clinton Police Department posted a "Public Awareness Notice" on Facebook Wednesday evening, laying out what to do if you cross paths with the bear, according to the Clinton Police Department. The notice directs non-emergency bear sightings to the department’s records line at 865-457-3112 and reminds residents that 911 is still the number to call for any immediate, life-threatening situation.
The same phone number and the department’s station address at 125 West Broad St appear on the city’s official police page, which lists contact options for reporting and records, according to the City of Clinton. The Facebook post did not indicate whether the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency or animal-control units had been dispatched to the north Clinton neighborhood.
How wildlife experts say to respond
Wildlife officials say the safest move with any bear is to give it plenty of space and never try to feed, follow, or approach it. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency advises backing away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear, making yourself look larger by raising your arms, and yelling or throwing rocks or sticks if the animal comes closer. The agency also warns that running can trigger a pursuit and notes that if a black bear attacks, you should fight back aggressively rather than play dead. Bear spray is listed as an effective deterrent in close encounters, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Federal guidance lines up with that playbook. The National Park Service says black bears usually prefer to avoid people and that fighting back is the right response if a black bear attacks. Bear spray, when available, is again highlighted as an effective tool. The Park Service also cautions that climbing a tree is not a safe escape strategy from a black bear and stresses that food and garbage should be stored securely so bears do not get used to hanging around people, according to the National Park Service.
Why sightings are rising in parts of Tennessee
Across parts of Tennessee, bear sightings have been ticking up in recent weeks as healthy black bear populations move back into more of their historic territory, wildlife officials say. Experts told WSMV that the animals are more likely to wander into neighborhoods when natural food sources are scarce or when unsecured human food gives them an easy snack. Those reports urge residents to cut back on temptations like birdfeeders, outdoor pet food, and loose garbage so bears do not start associating homes with a free buffet.
If you spot a bear in Clinton, police ask that you report non-emergency sightings to the department at 865-457-3112 and call 911 if the animal appears to pose an immediate danger. For broader conflicts or help beyond the neighborhood, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency lists regional dispatch lines and an online reporting form on its contact page, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
