Be Bear-able this spring
The big mammals have awoken from slumber; residents exercise caution
By RANDY HOOVER
Glade Public Safety Chief
For The Vista
Bears have come out of hibernation in the Fairfield Glade area! This week we have had several bear sightings in the Southeast area of the Glade. We live in bear country and it is our duty and responsibility to educate ourselves about bears for our safety and the bears.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is working with Fairfield Glade Public Safety in monitoring the bears that are in the area. We are trying to encourage the bears to leave the residential areas and stay in the forest. However, in order for us to be successful in keeping the bears away from the residential areas we need all the residents help in keeping all food sources away from the bears.
Bears are attracted to free food like bird feeders, deer feeders, garbage, outside grills, etc. It is strongly recommended that all food sources of this type be put out of access from bears. T.W.R.A. has advised that the bears will probably leave the residential areas if they cannot find easy food. However, if a bear stays in a residential area and causes problems with humans it will be trapped and probably destroyed. Please put up all food sources for the safety of you and the bears.
If you have other concerns about bear safety, please call T.W.R.A. (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) at 931-484-9571 or Fairfield Glade Public Safety at 931-484-3785 for more information. You can also go online at www.bearwise.info for more bear safety information.
I hope you have a safe week and remember to always use good judgment when it comes to your safety. WE DO LIVE IN BEAR COUNTRY.