Young bear may be a permanent resident of LBL in Tennessee

It appears that the Land Between the Lakes may have a permanent resident bear, as indicated by multiple photos captured on trail cameras in the Tennessee portion in the past few months.

The most recent images were recorded in the past week around the old Tharpe community north of Dover in Stewart County. 

In February, a hunter's trail cam caught the bear wandering near Piney Campground and the Fort Henry Trail System, also in Stewart County. 

Young male bears often wander into our region, frequently from Missouri, but their numbers are increasing in many parts of the Southeast as well. The bears are most active in early summer, even appearing in suburban areas, but they generally avoid people and are not considered a significant threat.

Park rangers advise visitors to please be aware of wildlife when hiking or recreating on the southern end of LBL. 


Two bear photos from late April; third photo taken Feb. 20. (LBL Facebook page)