Wildlife of Tennessee · Predators and Large Animals
Black Bear in Tennessee
Bears that find food lose their fear, so secure trash and feeders and call TWRA. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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At a Glance
About the Black Bear
Coyotes, foxes, bobcats, bears and deer are part of Tennessee’s landscape. Most conflicts are about pets, poultry, gardens and trash, so prevention works better than removal.
Call TWRA First
Risk: Bears that find food lose their fear, so secure trash and feeders and call TWRA.
Signs You Have One
How to Tell
These are the clues that point to a black bear.
- Overturned or smashed trash bins and bird feeders
- Claw marks on trees and torn-up beehives
- Large tracks and droppings full of berries
Call TWRA First
What We Do About the Black Bear
This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food.
Prevention
Keep Them Away
Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.
- Keep small pets inside at night
- Use tall fences with a buried base
- Secure trash, feed and bird seed
- Lock poultry in a predator-proof coop at dusk
Similar Animals
More Predators and Large Animals
Humane ExclusionPredators and Large
Coyote
Canis latrans
A danger to small pets and poultry, and they lose fear of people when fed.
Humane ExclusionPredators and Large
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Prey on poultry and small pets, and foxes can carry mange and rabies.
Humane ExclusionPredators and Large
Gray Fox
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
It climbs, so it can reach poultry and low roofs.
Call TWRA FirstPredators and Large
Bobcat
Lynx rufus
Shy and rarely a danger to people, but poultry and small pets are at risk.
Free Tool
What Animal Is It? Identifier
Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.
Related Guides
Read More Before You Call
PreventionTrash, Pet Food and Bird Seed: Stop Feeding Wildlife by Accident
Many wildlife problems start with an easy meal. Take the meal away and the animals move on.
Read the guideTennessee RulesWhen to Call TWRA and When to Call a Wildlife Professional
Two groups help with wildlife in Tennessee: the state agency and professional wildlife control companies. They do different jobs.
Read the guide
Hiring and ProcessDIY Wildlife Removal: Common Mistakes That Make It Worse
Doing it yourself can work for a small problem, but the most common mistakes make it bigger and harder to fix.
Read the guideHow do I know if I have a black bear?
Common signs: overturned or smashed trash bins and bird feeders; claw marks on trees and torn-up beehives; large tracks and droppings full of berries.
Is a black bear dangerous?
Bears that find food lose their fear, so secure trash and feeders and call TWRA. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.
What does Music City Wildlife do about a black bear?
This animal is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. If it is a danger or is injured, call TWRA. We help you protect your property, pets and garden with fencing, deterrents and securing food. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.
Free Estimate
Tell Us What Is Going On
Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.
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Music City Wildlife removes and prevents wildlife problems in homes and businesses across Nashville and Middle Tennessee, from squirrels in the attic to bats in the walls, with humane methods, careful sealing and cleanup.
- 615-357-7797
- Open 24 hours for emergencies
- Nashville, Tennessee · Servicing Middle Tennessee
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