Bear on the loose in Athens, Tenn.

Residents in Athens, Tennessee, have been placed on alert after a black bear was spotted running through town on Wednesday.

At least one bear has been seen around the Dupit Street and Tellico Avenue area east of Congress Parkway on Wednesday, according to a post on the city's social media page. There was also a sighting reported later at Haley Street headed toward Oak Street a block away and closer to the downtown area, but there was no word on whether it was the same or a different bear, officials reported.

Athens police officer Sarah Gray snapped a photo of the bear as it high-tailed across the street, officials said of a photo posted with the alert on social media.

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials have been notified, officials said.

The TWRA recently issued warnings that young male bears this time of year are seeking food and new territory and ranging far and wide.

Springtime activities involving humans such as gardening, hiking and grilling outdoors can be like a beacon to roaming bears, TWRA spokeswoman Mime Barnes said last month.

Sometimes people unknowingly ring the dinner bell.

"Attractants include bird feeders, trash, grills and pet food bowls with leftover food," Barnes said.

Greasy grills, ripe vegetables in a garden, trash and bird feeders not only attract bears, but also provide effortless meals, she said, and a bear doesn't forget where its last easy meal came from, according to officials.

Wildlife officials urge people to become "bear wise," referring to the nonprofit bear education program, bearwise.org, a website that educates the public and publicizes bear safety measures it says everyone should follow. The program was developed by bear biologists from each of the 15 state wildlife agencies that make up the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

Contact Ben Benton at bbenton@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6569. Follow him on Twitter @BenBenton or at www.facebook.com/benbenton1.