Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officials are investigating a reported bear encounter from early Saturday morning in Carter County.

TWRA Spokesperson Matt Cameron said the incident happened off Blevins Road in Roan Mountain around 12:30 a.m.

Cameron said the homeowner heard a noise outside of his house and went to investigate while carrying a 12-gauge shotgun.

When he stepped outside, a bear appeared nearby. The homeowner reportedly fired one shot in the air and a second shot in the bear’s direction to try and scare it away.

As the bear left, a second bear appeared from behind some shrubs and ran in the homeowner’s direction, Cameron said.

The homeowner said he then fired a shot at the bear and believes he hit it. The bear then ran off.

A TWRA wildlife officer and the homeowner each searched the area and could not find the bear.