Milligan has had a couple of unexpected visitors this semester. Two black bear sightings were reported on campus within 12 days, including one involving a mother bear and her two cubs.
The first bear was spotted Sept. 25 near the physical plant parking lot. According to an email from Campus Safety, campus security confirmed the bear had left the area.
Then, on Oct. 7, a black bear and two cubs were spotted in a tree behind Derthick Hall. Campus Safety temporarily closed Derthick Loop Road and nearby sidewalks and asked students to use alternate routes while the bears were in the area.
“Because a mother bear and cubs are present, please do not approach the bears or gather in the area to observe or photograph them,” Campus Safety stated in an email to the campus community.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) was notified, and Campus Safety monitored the area. In its Oct. 7 email, the university said there was no indication of aggressive behavior or an immediate threat to campus.
Although the sightings may have caught students’ attention, Campus Safety reminded the campus community to give bears plenty of space. Bears can be attracted to food waste, so students and employees are encouraged to make sure trash is securely placed in dumpsters.
Anyone who spots a bear on campus should avoid approaching or feeding it and contact Campus Safety at 423-461-8911.
Photo: A black bear rests on a tree branch behind Derthick Hall on Oct. 7 after being spotted on Milligan’s campus. (Provided by Chase McGlamery)
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