Bear Shot After Entering Home In Sevier County

A bear was shot on Sunday after it entered a home in Sevier County. This happened on Matt Road, which is north of Wears Valley Road. The homeowner says about 1:30 Sunday afternoon he heard noises coming from his kitchen and found the bear inside. The bear went outside but would not leave the home and the homeowner shot the bear with a shotgun.

The TWRA says no violations were found and that the bear broke in through a screen door. The TWRA says that area has recurring problems with unsecured trash and that has led to issues with bears in that area. The TWRA says it is unusual for black bears to enter occupied homes, but the behavior is developed after repeated feeding by people through unsecured garbage, birdseed, or pet food can make that happen.