Feeding black bears — prohibited conduct and penalties

Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-212, under Wildlife Regulation and Protection.

Tenn. Code Ann. § 70-4-212

(a) Notwithstanding another law to the contrary, it is an offense to feed a black bear within the confines of an area the commission has proclaimed that feeding black bears is prohibited.

(b) Knowingly feeding a black bear in violation of subsection (a) is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of no less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), before the imposition of any additional court costs or fees.

(c) Unknowingly feeding a black bear in violation of subsection (a), that occurs as a result of knowingly leaving food or garbage unsecured and otherwise accessible to black bears, is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by:(1) For a first offense, a written warning only; or(2) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine of no less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), before the imposition of any additional court costs or fees.

(1) For a first offense, a written warning only; or

(2) For a second or subsequent offense, a fine of no less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), before the imposition of any additional court costs or fees.