GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is investigating after a black bear known for repeated conflicts with people was found shot and killed in Gatlinburg.
According to TWRA, the bear was discovered dead Friday after being struck by a small-caliber bullet. Investigators are trying to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether the animal was intentionally targeted by a hunter or shot during another encounter with humans.
Agency officials said the bear had been involved in numerous human-bear conflicts throughout 2026, including breaking vehicle windows and entering homes and commercial buildings in the Gatlinburg area.
TWRA noted the bear was well known to wildlife officers and had previously drawn public attention after being removed from the roof of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in downtown Gatlinburg last year.
Because of the bear’s ongoing pattern of dangerous behavior and property damage, wildlife officials had attempted to capture the animal and humanely remove it from the wild population. However, those efforts were unsuccessful.
TWRA said it is possible the bear was shot following another conflict with people. Wildlife officials noted that animals involved in repeated property damage are sometimes illegally shot by frustrated residents or visitors. In many cases, wounded bears can travel significant distances before dying, making it difficult to identify the shooter.
While black bear hunting season is currently open in Sevier County, investigators said they do not know whether the bear was a legal hunting target. Officials emphasized that Tennessee law prohibits shooting wildlife without making an effort to recover the animal.
The incident comes as wildlife officials continue to urge residents and visitors in the Smokies region to properly secure food, garbage and other attractants that can lead to dangerous bear encounters.
TWRA’s investigation remains ongoing.
