When Black Bears are Most Active in Tennessee

In early May 2025, 89-year-old Robert Markel and his dog were killed by a black bear in Florida. This incident marked the first fatal black bear attack in the state’s history. This tragic loss serves as a reminder of the importance of bear safety and awareness.

Tennessee is famous for its natural beauty and endless amounts of outdoor activities, like hiking. With part of the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park found there, outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Volunteer State to explore. Since there are thousands of black bears (up to 6,000) found there, it’s important to know how to avoid encounters with these animals. Keep reading to learn when black bears are most active in Tennessee and how you can stay safe and unharmed.

When Black Bears are Most Active in Tennessee

Black bears are most present in Tennessee in the spring and summer months, most commonly found in rural areas and National Parks. The bears hibernate during the winter months, making them less of a threat. When the weather starts to warm up, though, they naturally become more active, emerging from their dens in March and April. In Tennessee, nuisance reports of black bears seeking or eating human food typically peak in June and July.

Black bears are mostly found in rural areas and national parks. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a population of around 1,900 black bears. This equates to approximately two bears per square mile. If you are in an urban setting, there is little threat as the bears tend to stay in more isolated areas.

What to Do If You Encounter a Bear

Robert Markel and his dog were killed by a black bear near their home in Jerome, Florida. The bear attack occurred about 100 yards from Markel’s home, and authorities found evidence that the bear had entered the residence. Following the attack, authorities initiated a search, successfully locating and euthanizing the responsible bear. The attack has heightened public and official concerns about black bear safety both in Florida and beyond.

According to the North American Bear Center, black bear attacks are extremely rare. Black bears kill fewer than one person per year on average in North America, though non-fatal attacks and encounters are more common. Bears typically attack when they feel threatened or when their space is invaded. If you come across a bear, the best advice is to keep your distance. Most bear encounters are situational, such as on trails or by campsites. In these cases, there are a few things you should do. First, try to maintain a distance of 100 yards—about the length of a football field—at all times. If you encounter a black bear closer than this, keep an eye on the bear and calmly walk back in the direction from which you came. Staying calm helps maintain a passive encounter. When camping, ensure you have a designated escape route in case a bear appears. Black bears often flee at the sight of humans. However, if one approaches you, raising your arms and yelling in a bold manner will help intimidate it.