By Lewis Loflin
The Tri-Cities region, encompassing Bristol, Virginia, Bristol, Tennessee, Kingsport, and surrounding counties, is experiencing a notable increase in black bear sightings. With a population exceeding 100,000 in Washington County alone, the area blends urban and rural landscapes, creating an environment where wildlife thrives. Black bears, in particular, have become frequent visitors to residential neighborhoods, drawn by abundant food sources.
According to local authorities, Bristol, Virginia, has received multiple reports of bears roaming city streets. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) confirms similar sightings in Carter, Johnson, and Sullivan counties. For example, on May 27, 2008, a black bear was spotted in Kingsport on Longreen Road near Ridgefields Golf Course, as reported by the TWRA. In Bristol, Tennessee, two bear-related calls were logged on May 20, 2008, highlighting the growing presence of these animals.
Black bears are opportunistic feeders, and human dwellings often provide easy access to food. Authorities note that bears are attracted to bird feeders, pet food, garbage, outdoor grills, compost piles, fruit trees, and beehives. In rural areas like Bristol, natural water sources, such as wet weather springs, further entice bears to explore neighborhoods. The image above shows a bear near a building where trash is stored, illustrating their proximity to human spaces.
The Bristol, Virginia, Police Department issued a press release in 2008 emphasizing that a growing bear population requires proactive management. As bear habitats overlap with human communities, residents must take steps to minimize attractants and ensure safety for both people and wildlife.
To prevent bears from visiting backyards, Bristol authorities recommend removing potential food sources. Household trash, pet food, or anything with a strong odor should be stored securely in a basement, garage, or locked outbuilding. Avoid keeping trash in vehicles, on porches, or on decks, as bears can easily access these areas. The building in the image above, for instance, is used to store trash before it’s hauled away, reducing the risk of attracting bears.
If a bear is spotted foraging in a yard, residents should maintain a safe distance and refrain from feeding it, as feeding wildlife is illegal in Virginia and Tennessee. Bristol authorities also advise against approaching bears, as they are wild animals and can be unpredictable. In the author’s experience, other wildlife like raccoons, opossums, and deer frequently visit yards, and a panther was sighted a few years ago, underscoring the region’s rich biodiversity.
For residents seeking guidance, the TWRA and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources offer resources on coexisting with black bears. Below is a summary of key recommendations:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Secure Trash | Store in locked buildings; avoid outdoor bins. |
| Remove Feeders | Take down bird feeders during bear season (spring/summer). |
| Avoid Feeding | Do not leave pet food outside; feeding bears is illegal. |
These measures help reduce human-wildlife conflicts and promote a balanced ecosystem in the Tri-Cities region.
Acknowledgment: I’d like to thank Grok, an AI by xAI, for helping me draft and refine this article. The final edits and perspective are my own. Excerpted from Kingsport Times-News, May 28, 2008.
