safety
Black bear spotted near Dickson County restaurant
By Kassidy Brown, Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 8, 2026
· 1 min read
CHARLOTTE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A black bear was spotted near a Dickson County restaurant recently.Otts BBQ in Charlotte said some police officers stopped by to let them know there had been a black bear spotted around the restaurant.“We’re pretty sure he’s just following the smell of the smoker. Can’t ...
Key takeaway Otts BBQ in Charlotte said some police officers stopped by to let them know there had been a black bear spotted around the restaurant.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The sighting of a black bear near a Dickson County restaurant raises concerns about the potential for human-bear conflicts in the area. As the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency notes, black bears can learn to associate people with food if they repeatedly find meals near them, which is a particular concern for restaurants and businesses that handle food. In Nashville and surrounding counties, residents and business owners should take steps to secure potential attractants, such as garbage and pet food, to prevent unwanted bear encounters. The BearWise basics recommended by TWRA provide a useful guide for preventing conflicts, and residents can play a crucial role in reporting bear sightings through the "I Saw A Bear" system. By taking these precautions, the community can help minimize the risk of encounters and promote coexistence with the local bear population.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CHARLOTTE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A black bear was spotted near a Dickson County restaurant recently.Otts BBQ in Charlotte said some police officers stopped by to let them know there had been a black bear spotted around the restaurant.“We’re pretty sure he’s just following the smell of the smoker. Can’t ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kassidy Brown, Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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