Hi friends… welcome to the Wild Side… I’m Steve Hall
The raccoon is Tennessee’s official state animal.
But historically Eastern Black Bears may be the most famous. Davy Crockett claimed to have killed at least a hundred of them…good for bragging rights… but not necessarily a good thing…
We asked for an update on the status of black bears from a man who has studied, photographed, and tracked their movement for more than a decade.
The Tennessee legislature passed a bill in 2026 making it a Class B misdemeanor for feeding bears where notices are posted… with a fine of up to $250.
But there’s a much tougher federal law that threatens a possible $5,000 fine and up to six months in jail for feeding bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
home – Appalachian Bear Rescue
Black Bears – Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
EyeCandy Creative – We simply make things look better
Books for Children
