Wildflowers are blooming.
Wildlife begins to stir.
There’s nowhere else we’d rather be, than right here in East Tennessee.
As the temperatures rise, your guests start to feel the same way.
And so does another iconic resident — the black bear.
If you own a short-term rental (STR) in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville, sharing space with our bear friends isn’t just an interesting tidbit to include in your guest welcome binder, it’s a critical part of keeping your property safe, your guests informed, and the local wildlife protected.
Here’s what you need to know about bear behavior in spring and how to prepare your short term rental, and your guests, accordingly.
Why Spring Is a Key Time for Bear Activity
Black bears in the Smokies experience a modified hibernation pattern. They go through a period of winter dormancy, but it’s not the deep, uninterrupted kind of hibernation that some animals experience.
Black bears in the Smoky Mountains emerge from hibernation, hungry and on the hunt for easy calories in the spring.
They are opportunistic feeders which means one of the most common sources of bear/human conflict is trash.
Short term rentals with unsecured garbage bins or leftover food can unintentionally invite bears right up to the front porch.
Black bears that become habituated to human food rarely live long lives.
Bear Awareness Tips for Short Tern Rental Owners
1. Bear-Proof Your Trash Area
This is the #1 thing you can do to prevent bear encounters.
- Use bear-resistant trash cans or install a bear-proof enclosure.
- Instruct guests not to leave trash outside or on decks.
- Arrange for frequent trash pickups during high season.
Action step: Include visuals or a sign that explains how to use bear latches or enclosures, not all of your guests will be familiar.
2. Post Visible Reminders About Bears
Guests from outside the region may have never heard of bear safety protocols.
- Post a friendly but clear “Bear Safety 101” near the welcome binder, front door, and outdoor areas.
- Include reminders like:
- Don’t leave food or coolers on porches or in cars.
- Don’t feed wildlife, even unintentionally.
- Keep car doors locked (yes, bears know how to open them!).
Bonus Tip: Turn your reminders into part of the local charm, something like, “You’re in bear country now, let’s keep them wild and your stay safe!”
3. Secure Outdoor Cooking and Dining Areas
- Clean grills thoroughly after each use.
- Provide storage for outdoor food prep supplies.
- Avoid leaving dog bowls or food scraps outside.
Even a splash of grease can attract a bear from a long way off.
4. Install Motion-Activated Lights and Cameras
Not only does this deter bears, but it can help you and your property manager respond quickly if one shows up.
Consider:
- Lights near trash bins, driveways, and decks.
- Cameras positioned to monitor high-risk areas.
Make sure guests know you’re using cameras for safety (outdoor-only), and consider integrating alerts if your system allows.
Spring-Specific Considerations
Mother bears, often accompanied by cubs born during the winter, are especially active and especially protective during spring.
If guests see a bear with cubs, the best thing to do is:
- Stay inside.
- Keep doors and windows closed.
- Never attempt to approach or feed them.
We recommend leaving a bear encounter protocol in your welcome packet, including local wildlife authority numbers.
Local Resources for Bear Awareness and Safety in the Smokies
Whether you’re prepping your short-term rental for spring or responding to an unexpected bear encounter, it’s important to know who to call and where to find reliable local support.
Here are a few key resources every Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville STR owner should have bookmarked (and included in your guest welcome binder):
🐻 Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
TWRA manages black bear populations and responds to wildlife conflicts across the Smokies.
If guests spot a bear too close for comfort or if there’s bear damage to your property, this is the place to call.
- Wildlife Conflict Hotline: 615-781-6500
- Website: https://www.tn.gov/twra/wildlife/mammals/large/black-bears.html
They also offer printable materials and bear-aware signage that STR owners can use onsite.
🧰 Local Bear-Proof Trash Can Providers
Want to upgrade your trash system? These local vendors can help with bear-resistant containers and enclosures:
- BearWise Trash Enclosures (via local contractors) – Ask your property manager or handyman about installing BearWise-approved enclosures. These are compliant with most HOA and county guidelines.
🚨 Emergency Services
If there’s an active bear threat, guests should always call 911 first, but follow up with:
- Sevier County Dispatch (non-emergency): (865) 453-4668
- Gatlinburg Police Department: (865) 436-5181
- Pigeon Forge Police Department: (865) 453-9063
- Sevierville Police Department: (865) 453-5506
Encourage guests to never attempt to scare off, feed, or follow a bear.
Even well-meaning guests can unintentionally make a situation more dangerous.
📍 Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Bear Safety Resources
While many guests plan a visit to the park, they may not know the do’s and don’ts of bear country.
The National Park Service provides downloadable guides, maps, and videos on staying safe during wildlife encounters.
- Website: nps.gov/grsm
- Local Visitor Center (Sugarlands): (865) 436-1291
Pro Tip: Print a simple Bear Safety Card with these numbers and post it inside your rental — on the fridge, by the trash area, in your welcome binder, or all three!
Communicate Early and Often
Set the tone for safety in your pre-arrival messages, something like:
“Spring is a magical time in the Smokies — and that includes waking up to the sights and sounds of nature, bears included! Please review our quick guide on staying bear-aware during your stay to help keep you (and our wild neighbors) safe.”
This reinforces your professionalism, enhances the guest experience, and helps protect your investment.
Bonus: Make Bear Safety a Marketing Feature
You don’t have to be alarmist, instead, position your rental as responsibly immersed in nature.
- “Bear-aware property with secure trash and wildlife-safe practices”
- “Enjoy the Smokies the right way — with local wildlife nearby, not in your cooler”
Guests who are nature lovers will appreciate that you’ve taken steps to balance access and awareness.
Bear Safety Is Guest Safety
As short term rental property owners, we have the privilege of hosting guests in one of the most biodiverse regions in the country.
That privilege comes with responsibility — to your guests, your neighbors, and the incredible wildlife that makes the Smokies such a special place.
By getting ahead of bear activity this spring, you’re doing more than protecting your property, you’re enhancing your guest experience and preserving the wild character of this beautiful region!
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