Maryville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – Wildlife officials say a bear recently spotted in Maryville wearing a collar is part of a monitored relocation effort.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirmed the bear is fitted with a GPS tracking collar after being moved earlier this year along with her four cubs. The family had been living under the porch of a vacant home that was set for renovations.
TWRA says wildlife crews safely relocated the bears to a den site inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The GPS collar was placed on the mother to ensure she remained in the area until the appropriate time for her and her cubs to emerge.
Officials say the bear’s behavior is not unusual, noting she simply chose an unsafe location for her den this season.
TWRA is reminding residents to take precautions to avoid conflicts with wildlife. Recommendations include never feeding or approaching bears, securing garbage and recycling, removing pet food and bird feeders, and cleaning outdoor grills.
Wildlife experts say following these guidelines helps protect both people and animals.
