What Tennessee Homeowners Need to Know

As development grows across Tennessee, more black bears are learning to adapt to neighborhoods, cabins, and backyards in search of quiet places to spend the winter. With more than 6,000 acres of open land disappearing every day nationwide, bears are losing natural den spaces — and sometimes your shed, porch, or cabin crawlspace looks like a perfect alternative.

From Gatlinburg to Townsend, Wears Valley to Cosby, homeowners and vacation renters are seeing bears more than ever — especially in late fall when denning season begins.

🐻 Why Bears Look for Winter Dens Near Homes

Black bears are intelligent, curious, and incredibly opportunistic. As winter approaches, they shift from constant feeding to conserving energy. This means they start hunting for:

• Shelter
• Quiet
• Warmth
• Safety from predators and humans

While hollows, caves, and thickets are ideal in the wild, bears may also view your property as prime real estate.

Common Human-Made Bear Den Spots

• Under decks or porches
• Inside crawlspaces
• Beneath sheds or garages
• Under vacant rental cabins
• Inside stacked lumber, brush piles, or unused equipment
• In or under RVs, campers, and parked trailers

If a bear’s head fits, the whole bear fits.
Black bears can squeeze through surprisingly small openings because they lack collarbones and are incredibly flexible.

🏡 How to Prevent Bears From Denning on Your Property

Before winter arrives, take a few minutes and walk your property with this mindset:

“If I were a bear, would I choose this as a quiet place to sleep?”

1. Secure Decks, Porches & Crawlspaces

• Seal open lattice with solid materials
• Use wood, brick, stone, or permitted fencing
• Ensure doors and vents latch securely
• Consider adding a bear-resistant barrier

2. Protect Outbuildings and Sheds

Sheds and garages often attract bears because they’re dark and quiet.
Remove or secure items like:

• Birdseed
• Pet food
• Livestock feed
• Coolers and grills
• Scented products

3. Lock Up Cabins, RVs & Campers

Seasonal properties are especially vulnerable in winter.

Before closing for the season:

• Remove all food and trash
• Clean coolers and bins
• Remove scented air fresheners
• Lock doors, windows, and cargo compartments

4. Clean Up Den-Friendly Areas

• Clear brush piles
• Organize lumber stacks
• Store equipment indoors when possible
• Remove junk piles, tires, and unused household items

🐾 Why This Is So Important in the Smoky Mountains

The areas around Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including:

• Gatlinburg
• Pigeon Forge
• Cades Cove
• Townsend
• Wears Valley
• Cosby
• Roaring Fork

…are all prime black bear territory.

When bears den near people, it increases the risk of:

• Property damage
• Startled or defensive bears
• Human-bear encounters
• Habituated behavior

By bear-proofing your property, you help protect these incredible animals and keep your family and guests safe.

✔️ Quick Tennessee Bear-Wise Checklist

• ☐ Seal decks and crawlspaces
• ☐ Secure sheds and garages
• ☐ Lock up seasonal cabins and RVs
• ☐ Remove scented items and potential attractants
• ☐ Clean up brush, equipment, and debris
• ☐ Share these tips with neighbors and renters

📚 Want to Learn More About Black Bears in Tennessee?

• Best Spots to View Bears in the Smokies
• Bear Roaming Streets of Downtown Gatlinburg!
• Cades Cove Private Guided Tour