A black bear was shot and killed on a Union County man's property late Friday evening.
Wildlife Officers with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency called the shooting "a case of self-defense".
TWRA said the Luttrell homeowner, who lives on Tharpe Lane, noticed the bear while grilling food outdoors.
The animal was scared off and ran back into the woods.
The bear returned again, according to TWRA, making a bee-line towards the man's family members who were working in a nearby garden.
Fearful, the man shot and killed the bear.
Wildlife Officers investigate such shootings, according to TWRA. They must find the property owner was acting in self-defense.
The Luttrell man was not charged for hunting or killing a bear in a closed season, which is a misdemeanor. TWRA Officers decided the bear was threatening life.
In some other cases, TWRA said they have charged property owners with the misdemeanor when they did not act in self-defense.
The agency said most black bears are not aggressive and leave after people go indoors.
"The exception is if there is a food option it is attracted to," said Wildlife Officer Joe Durnin. "There is a chance that he'll stay there until he finishes his meal, but after that, he'll be gone."
TWRA suggests you call them for help at 1-800-332-0900 if a bear is causing problems on your property.