safety
Young black bear spotted strolling through Smyrna neighborhood
By Tony Garcia at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Smyrna Police Department alerted residents to a bear sighting over the weekend.Smyrna PD reported on Sunday that a young black bear was seen in the backyard near Cotttesford Drive and Windy Hill Road.The department reminded everyone that approaching or attempting to fee...
Key takeaway Smyrna PD reported on Sunday that a young black bear was seen in the backyard near Cotttesford Drive and Windy Hill Road.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The sighting of a young black bear in a Smyrna neighborhood is a stark reminder of the suburban area's proximity to natural habitats. As the town continues to grow and develop, encounters between humans and wildlife are likely to increase. Residents in the area should be aware that securing potential food sources is crucial in preventing future bear sightings. The Smyrna Police Department's warning to keep trash cans and pet food secure is particularly relevant, given the bear's presence near residential backyards. Furthermore, the department's guidance on giving the bear plenty of space and allowing it a clear path to leave the area is sound advice, considering the animal's unpredictable nature. By taking these precautions, residents can minimize the risk of conflicts with wildlife and ensure a safe coexistence with the natural environment surrounding their community.
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 14, 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? SMYRNA, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Smyrna Police Department alerted residents to a bear sighting over the weekend.Smyrna PD reported on Sunday that a young black bear was seen in the backyard near Cotttesford Drive and Windy Hill Road.The department reminded everyone that approaching or attempting to fee...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Tony Garcia 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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