Feeding Bears In Tennessee Can Now Hit You In The Wallet

A new law that makes it illegal to feed bears in the state of Tennessee has now been signed by the governor. This is a law that many in Sevier and Cocke Counties have been wanting to see become a reality. The new law makes it a Class B misdemeanor for anyone to feed bears in areas where notices have been placed stating that it unlawful to feed black bears. The fine for feeding a bear is $250. Persons who unknowingly feed a bear by leaving food or garbage unsecured can be issued a written warning on the first offense, a second or subsequent offense would result in a fine of at least $250.

The new law also authorizes the executive director of the TWRA to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies to assist those agencies in the enforcement of wildlife laws and proclamations specific to human wildlife interaction. Any such agreement requires the local law enforcement agency to provide regular reports to the executive director of the TWRA when the authority under the agreement is exercised.

The bill was sponsored by two East Tennessee lawmakers, Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown) and Rep. Fred Atchley (R-Sevierville).

Governor Bill Lee signed the bill on Wendesday (4/15). That law will go into effect on July 1.