04/16/2026
New Tennessee Law Makes Feeding Bears a Crime Statewide Starting July 1
If you’ve spent time in the Smokies, bear encounters are just part of the experience. Starting July 1, feeding black bears anywhere in Tennessee where posted notices prohibit it will be a Class B misdemeanor.
Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law this week after it passed nearly unanimously in the state senate.
Here’s what to know:
🐻 Intentionally feeding a black bear — a minimum $250 fine.
🗑️ Leaving food or garbage unsecured — a written warning on your first offense, but a $250+ fine after that.
Until now, Gatlinburg was the only city in Tennessee where feeding bears was illegal, with fines and court costs topping $100. And inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, federal law already carries penalties up to $5,000 and six months in jail.
The new law also allows the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to partner with local law enforcement to help enforce wildlife safety rules.
Point blank: respect the bears, secure your trash, and never feed wildlife. It’s safer for you and for them. 🏔️
