A black bear is in a tree at Northwestern and Rutgers avenues in Oak Ridge on Monday morning. (Photos by Todd Baker)
A black bear was at an apartment complex at about 10:30 a.m. Monday at Northwestern and Rutgers avenues in Oak Ridge.
The bear was seen at The Manhattan Apartments on Rutgers Avenue and also in a tree. There were several other sightings of the bear throughout the day.
There were several reports of bears in Oak Ridge in May and June last year, and at least two were trapped, one on East Drive and the other at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. There were also reports of bears crossing through Woodland one year ago, a mother and cub spotted west of the Y-12 National Security Complex, and a bear reported in yards on Orchard Circle and Oglethorpe Place.
A black bear was seen at The Manhattan Apartments in Woodland at about 10:30 a.m. Monday.
This is the first report of a bear in Oak Ridge this year, although there have been several sightings in Knoxville and one bear scaled a 10-foot fence to get into the Knoxville Zoo.
Last year, Jason Lankford, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wildlife officer, 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.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Note: This story was last updated at 10:16 a.m. July 30.
Kay Williamson says
everyone loves the bear sighting in the city,,, IT’S FUN,,,
Mike says
I saw the bear at 8 a.m in front of Woodland Elementary School when I dropped my son off this morning.
Sarah says
My 6 year old daughter met up with the bear at 2 pm Monday in our neighbor’s driveway in the Willow Place subdivision. It stood up and was taller than her. My husband yelled for her to run into the house and at that point the bear took off running down the sidewalk.
Anne Garrison Ross says
Here are some bear safety tips from the National Park Service:
If You Encounter a Bear…
Remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. If it changes its behavior, you’re too close so back away.
If you see a bear, but the bear doesn’t see you, detour quickly and quietly.
If a bear spots you, try to get its attention while it is still farther away. You want it to know you’re human so talk in a normal voice and waive your arms.
Remember that a standing bear is not always a sign of aggression. Many times, bears will stand to get a better view.
Throw something onto the ground (like your camera) if the bear pursues you, as it may be distracted by this and allow you to escape.
Never feed or throw food to a bear.
If a Bear Charges…
Remember that many bears charge as a bluff. They may run, then veer off or stop abruptly. Stand your ground until the bear stops, then slowly back away.
Never run from a bear! They will chase you and bears can run faster than 30 mph.
Don’t run towards or climb a tree. Black bears and some grizzlies can climb trees, and many bear will be provoked to chase you if they see you climbing.
If you have pepper spray, be sure that you have trained with it before using it during an attack.
johnhuotari says
Thank you, Anne.
Jason Allison says
Sitings are only going to get more and more often. Their population is on the rise and their movement between the plateau and the smokies is on the rise.