NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Images captured on a trail camera in the Dickerson Pike area came as quite a surprise for Justin Daye.

The outdoorsman says a check of images on Sunday revealed photos of a black bear in the area of Dickerson Pike and Hunters Lane.

(Photo: Justin Daye)

Daye says he has reported the sighting to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The state’s black bear population thrives in East Tennessee, but the TWRA says on its web site that numbers are growing and re-colonization of former range continues.

Tuesday afternoon, the TWRA updated its Facebook page with a post that included this information: TWRA District 21 Captain, Dale Grandstaff says, “We believe this bear is the same bear that has been hanging out in this area all fall. He’s not moving very far and it appears he might be here to stay.”

Last year, a bear was spotted in Davidson County for the first time in more than 100 years. It was caught on a trail camera in Joelton, not far from Whites Creek Pike.

(Photo: Justin Daye)

The TWRA says on its web site that “black bears are normally very elusive and shy animal and unless they have become accustomed to human food sources, they tend to avoid people. Bears are very curious animals, however, and this should not be mistaken for aggression. Prevent any conflicts by treating bears with respect as they are wild animals whose behaviors can be unpredictable.”

The TWRA has an online form to report bear sightings. Click here to share information.