Tennessee Wildlife Agency Killed 60 Bears in 2026
State officials reported that 61 bears were euthanized across Tennessee during the 2026 calendar year.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Wildlife
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Should your local government increase funding for bear-resistant infrastructure to reduce human-bear conflicts?
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency killed 60 bears in Sevier County in 2026, contributing to a total of 61 bear deaths statewide. These actions were taken as wildlife officials managed increasing human-bear conflicts in high-density areas.
Why it matters
Human-bear conflicts are driven by variables including natural food availability, high visitation rates, and bear population density. This creates a difficult management balance for state authorities tasked with ensuring public safety.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirmed 60 bear removals in Sevier County, which represents the vast majority of the 61 bears killed statewide. Nationally, wildlife agencies in at least 15 states have reported rising bear-related calls.
The players
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
This state government entity is responsible for managing wildlife populations and enforcing hunting regulations across Tennessee.
Gatlinburg
This city is a popular tourist destination in Sevier County known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains.
The details
Bears frequently access human-provided food sources like garbage in truck beds or construction dumpsters, and often break into occupied cars and buildings. The City of Gatlinburg attempted to mitigate these issues by investing $3 million in over 460 bear-resistant dumpsters in 2024.
Timeline
In 2024, Gatlinburg invested $3 million in bear-resistant dumpsters.
During 2026, 60 bears were killed in Sevier County.
Culture Shift
This management strategy reflects a broader move toward wildlife control in tourist-heavy regions where human-bear interactions have become common. The reliance on physical infrastructure like dumpsters marks a shift from reactive culling to proactive environmental modifications.
Residents and tourists should remain vigilant about securing trash and food to avoid attracting bears to homes and vehicles. Proper use of bear-resistant dumpsters remains the most effective practical step for community members to minimize dangerous encounters.
The takeaway
Effective human-bear cohabitation requires significant investment in infrastructure alongside responsible waste disposal habits. Communities with high visitation rates must continuously update their mitigation strategies to protect both public safety and wildlife populations.
Further reading
For more information on state management efforts, visit the Wildlife section.
Live Poll
Should your local government increase funding for bear-resistant infrastructure to reduce human-bear conflicts?
