Latest news with #TWRA

Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
This Tennessee bachelorette party had a bear-y unexpected guest. Watch the video
This guest didn't RSVP to the party. A black bear wandered into an outdoor bachelorette party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The video was posted to TikTok by Brooke Willman on July 24. While the party took place on a nearby balcony, the women spotted a small black bear coming near their area. The bear approached the parked car before heading towards the open grill, where several steaks were set out. Though the bear was not on the guest list, it enjoyed a big steak anyway. After all, it was a bear-beque! The bear stayed in the area for about 20 minutes before ascending to the outdoor balcony where the celebration was taking place. Of course, the small bear had to stop to appreciate the paw-some decor before trying to take a seat at the bride's table. Ironically, the theme of the party? "She Found Her Honey." So, at least the Gatlinburg bear's presence was on theme. Viral bear videos can come at a cost Often, you'll see a viral video circulating online about a black bear entering a store, a house or somewhere else it ought not to be. In some cases, such sightings might lead to the bear's death. In 2024, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency was forced to euthanize 31 bears. That's 12 more bears than East Tennessee's four-year average of 19. Not all bears are euthanized because of their behavior. The TWRA's figure also includes putting down injured animals. The TWRA will put down any potential threats to people, bears that grab food directly from people or that enter houses. "Public safety is going to come ahead of bears," said TWRA's bear program leader Dan Gibbs. Even though it ensures safety for people, it's never easy for Gibbs or his team to euthanize a bear. "Just because we are putting the people over the bears doesn't mean it's not hard for us to do it," Gibbs said. What to do if you see a black bear If you see a black bear in East Tennessee, do not approach it. Maintain your distance with adult bears and especially with cubs. In June, you're more likely to see a black bear cub in East Tennessee. Even if you don't see the cub's mother, don't pick a cub up or touch it. recommends a few basic guidelines to help keep people safe in a black bear encounter, depending on where you see the bear. If the bear is indoors or near a dumpster or building, back away and give it a clear escape route. If it's inside leave doors open. If the bear is in your backyard, remain a safe distance away and make loud noises to scare it away. Be sure it's gone before letting any pets out or removing items that might have attracted it. If the bear is in the woods, back away slowly and quietly. Never run, as that might trigger the bear's chase response. If you are approached by the bear, stand your ground and try to appear as large as possible. Make loud noises. If a black bear charges you, use bear spray. If it makes contact, fight back using your surroundings. Do not play dead. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Black bear crashes bachelorette party in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Watch the video Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivers urged to use caution during 50-mile yard sale in Kentucky
KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is warning people to be careful of the upcoming 50-mile yard sale. The annual event stretches through Estill, Lee, and Breathitt counties along Kentucky 52. Drivers urged to use caution during 50-mile yard sale in Kentucky 'I wish I had trusted my gut': Hundreds of homeowners say they were scammed by Lexington roofing company now under investigation Kentucky firefighter drowns in Dale Hollow Lake: TWRA It's held every year on the weekend closest to Independence Day. This year, it will be held July 4-5. Highway officials are asking drivers to use caution, as people will be out and about. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
1 person brought to hospital after White House water rescue
WHITE HOUSE, Tenn. (WKRN) — First responders helped four people — one of whom is still in the hospital — after floodwaters swept their cars off the road in White House Sunday night. According to the White House Community Volunteer Fire Department, shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, crews were dispatched to an emergency involving three vehicles and four people in the water. The incident happened along a creek that rose quickly, with heavy rainfall turning into rushing water that swept away the cars on Bowling Branch Road. Officials said they quickly accessed all four people, one of whom was transported to the hospital while the other three left on their own. 'We had to go in and rescue, with the help of TWRA. We also paged out Gallatin Fire, Hendersonville Fire, which they both got canceled,' Tara Parker, the public information officer for the White House Community Volunteer Fire Department, said. Parker described the patients as out of breath and tired after they were rescued: 'Two of them were crying. One of them, he wasn't talking very much because he was trying to get some water out of his lungs and everything, but they were very happy to see us.' As of Monday, June 16, three of the individuals are reportedly doing alright, but one is still in the hospital. FORECAST: Middle Tennessee & Southern Kentucky Weather According to Parker, that area isn't prone to flooding, so it caught everyone off guard. 'As we were out last night we passed multiple people that was not following the turn around don't drown and driving through high fast moving water,' the department posted on Facebook Monday morning. 'As much as our swift water team loves to swim we would love to not have to pull people from rushing water if it can be prevented. So PLEASE Turn around don't drown!!!!' Parker provided additional details to News 2, saying personnel saw two people on motorcycles trying to drive through the floodwaters Sunday night. 'Even if you think your car's going to make it in, it's moving, it's moving a lot faster than you think it is,' she said. ⏩ The White House Community Volunteer Fire Department said it answers about 1,000 calls a year and runs mostly off donations. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Crews respond to drowning on Douglas Lake in Jefferson County
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — First responders are on the scene of a drowning on Douglas Lake. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said emergency crews were on the scene of the drowning around 2:50 p.m. Five charged after $500,000 worth of pure fentanyl seized in Knox County drug bust The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency said a 21-year-old man was missing after he reportedly jumped into the lake from a boat and did not resurface. 'Emergency crews are actively conducting search and rescue operations in a deep section of the lake near Point 7, in the Muddy Creek area. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,' a TWRA spokesperson told 6 News. This is a developing story. or for updates. According to the sheriff's office, the drowning happened on Douglas Lake near Lake Front Drive. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Events planned across TN to celebrate Free Fishing Day
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Tennessee will soon celebrate a day of free fishing for residents and visitors alike. For children ages 15 or younger, the festivities will continue for even longer. The 2025 Bobby Wilson Free Fishing Day will take place on Saturday, June 7. All residents and visitors can fish for free without a license in Tennessee's public waters. Children aged 15 or younger will be able to continue free fishing for the entire week through Friday, June 13. Pigeon River in East TN stocked with 10,000 walleye after Hurricane Helene concerns The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, partner organizations, and communities across the state will hold special events to celebrate the day and encourage youth participation in fishing. Loudon will hold a fishing tournament at Riverside Park with prizes on offer for anglers of all ages. Free Fishing Day events for children will be held in Lenoir City and Clinton. Click here for a full list of locations and details. Free Fishing Day applies to all public waters, TWRA owned and operated lakes, and state park facilities. Little River Road, the Spur to temporarily closed in June for maintenance The event was renamed in honor of longtime TWRA employee Bobby Wilson in 2023. He retired in 2022 after more than 40 years of service. Wilson served in the Fisheries Division for 35 years, before being named TWRA Deputy Director in 2015 and Executive Director in 2020. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.