TWRA: Remains of bears illegally dumped on side of highway in Unicoi County

An advocacy group that supports the care and protection of bears in the wild has confirmed a state investigation was launched after the remains of a female bear and yearling were found in Unicoi County.

The Help Asheville Bears organization posted graphic photos of the animals who were found without heads or paws off the side of Highway 395 near Unaka Mountain in Erwin. The older bear was covered with a tarp at one point and the young bear was found several feet away in the woods.

A spokesperson with the TWRA says the carcasses were likely left behind by hunters and remains must be disposed of legally at a landfill.

TWRA Regional Officer Matt Cameron told us there was no way to tell if the yearling was the offspring of the older bear so the reference of a mother bear and cub used in the HAB social media post was inaccurate. Cameron also said bear season is open in that portion of Tennessee.

A $10,000 reward is being offered by the Asheville group for information on the incident.

(IMAGE: HAB / Facebook)