TWRA Investigating Bear Killed by Homeowner

Officers with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) are investigating a case of a black bear killed Wednesday evening by a homeowner in Bledsoe County, Tenn. near Fall Creek Falls State Park.

TWRA spokesperson Dan Hicks said they were notified of the incident around 10:30 pm Wednesday. The man told officers that the bear was threatening his family and goats he had on his property. Tennessee law does allow people to kill wild animals that are threatening lives, or destroying property. However officers continue to investigate, including further interviews with the homeowner, to determine the exact circumstances, and whether or not charges are warranted.

Hicks said they will perform a necropsy on the male bear that weighs app. 200 lbs and appeared in good health.

It happened on Beavertail Road, just off Lantana Road near Fall Creek Falls State Park. The man told officers he initially shot the bear with a .22 caliber rifle, a caliber typically too small to quickly kill a big game animal. He told officers he returned with a larger caliber rifle to kill the wounded bear.

Many bears have been relocated from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Big South Fork Wilderness Area which lies about 60 miles north of Bledsoe County. However young male bears often roam in search of new territory. Relocated bears are all tagged. Hicks said this bear was not tagged so there is no way to know exactly where it came from.

Officers expect to make a final decision later today or tomorrow on whether any charges are warranted. Hicks said they are not releasing the man's name unless charges are filed.