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TWRA outlines bear‑management strategy: reduce attractants, expand BearWise outreach
Summary
TWRA presented a multi-pronged bear-management approach focused on attractant reduction (BearWise), local government dumpster programs, and response capacity, noting high call volumes and evidence relocation is largely ineffective.
TWRA staff briefed commissioners on black bear management and human–bear conflicts, emphasizing that the agency is shifting focus from relocation and reactive response toward attractant management and local partnerships.
Joe Benedict and Dan (TWRA bear team) framed the issue with harvest and conflict data: staff estimated roughly 6,000 bears statewide (including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park), said the agency hunts bears in 37 counties and five primary zones, and noted…
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