After almost two days of bear sightings in Oak Ridge, Y-12 National Security Complex workers reported Wednesday night that a mother black bear and cub were last seen before 7 p.m. on the west end of Bear Creek Road.
Earlier in the day, an employee reported that a bear was spotted on the north side of Y-12.
At least one bear was in Oak Ridge on Tuesday.
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Wildlife Officer Jason Lankford has 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. Oak Ridge is between the two preserves.
There have been no reports of injuries caused by the bear or bears.
In response to a question about a young black bear he was trying to herd south Tuesday, Lankford said it doesn’t pose a threat to humans, but residents should use common sense if they see it. That black bear, estimated to be about 15 months old and 150 pounds, was in the Woodland neighborhood and headed south.
While there haven’t been any injuries, there has been a lot of buzz in the community about the first bear, with residents and workers curious to know where it was last spotted.
Oak Ridge Police Department Lt. Brad Jenkins has said the bear wouldn’t be tranquilized unless it became aggressive.
Robin Darnell says
Thanks for the updates. A friend from RSCC works in the office with someone who had an encounter Tuesday evening. She was amazed that a bear walked in front of her vehicle while she was driving from Walmart to Food City. I told her about your article. She went to the website and sent links to her friends to prove that she saw a bear here.
John Huotari says
Glad we could help. The bear was in Woodland behind Food City on Tuesday evening, so I can see how your friend saw it on her drive between the two stores.
Anne Garcia Garland says
Thank yous to TWRA and the ORPD for keeping an eye on the situation and honoring the bear(s)’s right to share the environment. We are so lucky to have a place to live where “civilization” includes being civil to our critter neighbors.
John Huotari says
Anne, TWRA officer Jason Lankford described the young bears as essentially over-sized raccoons.
JennisonL says
Just found this website! Doing a good job…thanks for the update on the bears!
John Huotari says
Thank you, Jennison.
Floyd Glenn says
They will probably end up at the HEUMF in the Protected Area of the Y12 plant.