Smoky Mountain News

Macon County Public Library in Franklin will show a short film, “Living in Bear Country: Practical Advice on Living Responsibly in Bear Country” at 7 p.m. on Sept. 13.

A growing population of both bears and people in the area means that problems stemming from improper storage of garbage, barbecues and birdfeeders are growing.

Cynthia Strain, Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard are wildlife educators affiliated with both Appalachian Bear Rescue and the B.E.A.R. Taskforce of the Western NC Alliance. The trio will share information about black bears and explain how to reduce human and bear conflicts.

The B.E.A.R. Task Force joined forces with the Western North Carolina Alliance a year ago, with a mission to promote safe, harmonious coexistence between humans and bears.

The Friends of the Library is sponsoring the program. It is free, open to the public and appropriate for all ages.