An Apison-area reader who asked not to be named shot this photo early Tuesday of a black bear in the back yard of her home near Apison Elementary School.Fresh on the furry black heels of a warning this month from Tennessee wildlife officials about bears in the Chattanooga region, a lone black bear was spied Tuesday morning in the area of Apison Elementary School in eastern Hamilton County.
The bear was seen around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday in a homeowner’s backyard off of East Brainerd Road. The resident photographed it and reported the animal to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before it left. The resident asked not to be named.
A TWRA dispatcher said the bear was among a number of wildlife sightings reported early Tuesday after heavy storms thundered through the area Monday. Many species of wildlife, like bears, are on the move looking for food at this point in the year.
The bear had not caused any damage, officials said.
When they connect humans to a food source, bears can be dangerous, TWRA spokeswoman Mime Barnes said. Homeowners should be vigilant in limiting bear attractants on their property, she said.