A young black bear, about 15 months old and 150 pounds, gets ready to jump a fence in a yard on North Purdue Avenue.
A young black bear zigzagged through Oak Ridge Tuesday, hopping fences, crossing busy streets, and avoiding dogs and curious humans as it headed south.
Late Tuesday evening, officers from the Oak Ridge Police Department and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency tried to herd the elusive bear away from homes in the Woodland neighborhood, possibly south toward Melton Hill Lake and Y-12 National Security Complex.
“We’ve got a bear here,” TWRA wildlife officer Jason Lankford said, as officers gathered at the corner of Northwestern Avenue and Nevada Circle at about 8:30 p.m.
Oak Ridge Police Lt. Brad Jenkins said no one had been injured and no animals had been harmed. The bear, estimated to be about 150 pounds and about 15 months old, would not be tranquilized unless it became aggressive, Jenkins said.
A young bear crosses through a yard on Parsons Road. (Photo by Alisha Terry)
He said the Police Department had bear sightings most of the day.
“He’s just moving around,” Jenkins said.
The bear was reported in various locations, including Key Springs and Hillside roads, Highland Avenue, and Purdue Avenue.
Lankford said bear sightings are normal this time of year as young male bears try to establish new territory after older bears push them out of preserves like Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sometimes the young bears get trapped in cities.
“It’s just traveling through,” Lankford said.
He said the bear doesn’t pose a threat to humans, but residents should use common sense if they see it.
kay williamson says
had so much fun with this bear telling everyone where he was at, thanks John for getting the pictures out for everyone also
John Huotari says
You’re welcome. Thanks again for the location updates. That bear was hard to find.
John Westcott says
“UP-DATE”
The bear has been spotted on the north ridge at Y-12.
John Huotari says
Thanks, John. We’ll do a follow-up.
Christina VanMeter says
the bear was at my house last night around 6 on orchard circle
John Huotari says
Wow. I didn’t realize it was still in Oak Ridge. Have you seen it today?
Christina VanMeter says
not today. gonna look for him tonight since garbage wasn’t picked up today.
John Huotari says
We have some pictures taken by residents of your neighborhood and plan to post them soon. Do you have any pictures?
Christina VanMeter says
unfortunately we do not have any pictures. when he was spotted at the house my black cat was sitting on the railing above him and followed him on the rail as he walked on. it would’ve been a priceless picture- black cat with black bear 🙂
John Huotari says
I guess the cat wasn’t scared of the bear then?