Deputy shoots bear scavenging body of motorcyclist killed in crash, TN officials say
A law enforcement officer shot and killed a black bear scavenging the body of a motorcyclist after a fatal crash, Tennessee officials said.
A deputy with the Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene of a motorcycle crash near a wooded area Sept. 20 and encountered a male black bear about 30 yards away, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The motorcyclist appeared to have died upon impact from the crash, and it was “evident” the bear had started scavenging the remains, officials said.
The deputy tried hazing the bear, which can involve firing a nonlethal round at or near the bear to scare it off, but it didn’t work and the bear stayed near the body, law enforcement said.
The deputy then got his rifle and tried hazing the bear again, but the bear got “defensive” and started moving toward the deputy, according to officials.
That’s when the deputy shot and killed the bear, estimated to be between 150 and 175 pounds, according to the state agency.
Blount County is in eastern Tennessee on the border of North Carolina.
What to do if you see a bear
Bear attacks in the U.S. are rare, according to the National Park Service. In most attacks, bears are trying to defend their food, cubs or space.
There are steps people can take to help prevent a bear encounter from becoming a bear attack.
Identify yourself: Talk calmly and slowly wave your arms. This can help the bear realize you’re a human and nonthreatening.
Stay calm: Bears usually don’t want to attack; they want to be left alone. Talk slowly and with a low voice to the bear.
Don’t scream: Screaming could trigger an attack.
Pick up small children: Don’t let kids run away from the bear. It could think they’re small prey.
Hike in groups: A group is noisier and smellier, the National Park Service said. Bears like to keep their distance from groups of people.
Make yourself look big: Move to higher ground and stand tall. Don’t make any sudden movements.
Don’t drop your bag: A bag on your back can keep a bear from accessing food, and it can provide protection.
Walk away slowly: Move sideways so you appear less threatening to the bear. This also lets you keep an eye out.
Again, don’t run: Bears will chase you, just like a dog would.
Don’t climb trees: Grizzlies and black bears can also climb.
Homeowner hears ‘growl and huff’ under Colorado porch — and finds ‘an absolute tank’
Grizzly bites hiker in surprise encounter in foggy Montana national park, officials say
Bear cub sniffs its way into school cafeteria, Colorado cops say. See the hungry cub
Bear spotted eating straight from trash can in Colorado city. Why that’s concerning
