Tennessee Wildlife Agency Killed 61 Bears During 2026

State and local officials addressed rising human-bear conflicts as bear-resistant infrastructure investments continued.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Wildlife

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a dark bear silhouette against a muted forest line, evoking wildlife management concerns. — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency euthanized 61 bears in 2026, primarily in Sevier County, amid rising conflicts between humans and wildlife populations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local government increase funding for bear-resistant infrastructure to reduce human-bear conflicts?

In 2026, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency euthanized 61 bears across the state, with 60 of those incidents occurring in Sevier County. The agency action followed a trend of increasing human-bear conflicts reported in at least 15 other states.

Why it matters

These conflicts stem from complex factors like cub birth rates, natural food availability, and record visitation rates in areas like Sevier County. Addressing these interactions remains a priority for safety as bear populations and human activity continue to overlap.

State authorities confirmed 61 bear removals in 2026, nearly all located in Sevier County. Meanwhile, the City of Gatlinburg invested approximately $3 million into over 460 bear-resistant dumpsters throughout 2024 to mitigate attractants.

The players

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency

The state authority responsible for managing wildlife populations and addressing human-animal conflicts.

City of Gatlinburg

A municipality in Sevier County actively investing in infrastructure to reduce bear access to human food.

The details

Human-bear conflicts often escalate when animals gain access to human-provided food sources, such as garbage in truck beds or construction dumpsters. Bears frequently break into cars and structures, or enter buildings occupied by people, to reach these calories. These incidents are driven by yearling dispersal, weather conditions, and high bear population density in popular tourist areas.

2024 marked the investment of $3 million in bear-resistant dumpsters in Gatlinburg.
2026 was the year 60 bears were killed in Sevier County.

The Home Front

The Tennessee figures follow a documented trend of increased bear-related reports across at least 15 states. Managing these conflicts has become a significant logistical challenge for municipalities facing high visitation rates and dense local bear populations.

Residents should secure all trash in bear-resistant containers and avoid leaving food inside vehicles or open truck beds. Property owners in Sevier County should confirm their waste management providers are using equipment compliant with local bear-resistant standards.

The takeaway

Human-bear conflicts are significantly influenced by the accessibility of human-provided food sources. Homeowners and renters should prioritize locking outdoor dumpsters and removing potential attractants to help reduce bear encroachment on residential structures.