Pot-Bellied Pigs Killed by Bears

It seems awfully early for bears to be coming off the mountains in search of food, but one or more bears found three pot-bellied pigs on a farm in Friendsville, located fairly close to the Smokies. The pigs were killed and eaten over a two-day period on the farm of Blount County Commissioner David Graham.

Wildlife officers are certain they were attacked by bears since the carcasses had deep scar wounds from a bear’s powerful claws. One pig that was wounded in the first attack was attacked again the next day and succumbed to the injuries. The pigs each weighed about 300 pounds.

If the mast and forage in the mountains is in short supply, it could be a long winter for the area farmers and care should be taken to protect cattle and horses and obviously, pot-bellied pigs. On second thought, I guess all livestock could be imperiled if the bears are hungry.