Last trap removed from site of black bear attack

?The last trap, located at the site of the recent black bear attack, was removed earlier this week,? according to Les Jones, Area Supervisor, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. ?The site near the Chilhowee campground in the Cherokee National Forest has been closely monitored since the first bear was trapped there, and no further bear activity has been reported.?

The U.S. Forest Service has indefinitely closed the Chilhowee recreation area, the Parksville campground and several roads and trails in the vicinity of the attack. This closure is expected to remain in effect until the forensic analysis is completed and all baiting smells that could attract additional bears are clear of the area.

The samples gathered from the captured bear during the recent necropsy, conducted by the University of Tennessee Veterinary School, in Knoxville, have been transported to the appropriate testing facilities for further forensic analysis. Wildlife officials remain hopeful that DNA comparisons will identify this bear conclusively as the attacker of the family from Ohio. Final results from these tests are not expected before next week.

For further information, and latest updates, please check www.tnwildlife.org.

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TIME FOR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS

Tennessee?s smallest birds are now returning from their wintering grounds in South America and you can help them by putting out a hummingbird feeder. With an inexpensive feeder, hummingbirds can be attracted to just outside your window, even in urban areas.

Hummingbirds feed on the nectar of flowers, so feeders are filled with sugar water with mineral supplements added. The feeders have an imitation flower which attracts the little birds and provides them with a place to feed.

The ruby-throated hummingbird, which spends its summers in the eastern United States, has been timed at speeds up to sixty miles per hour with wing beats of more than 75 strokes per second. Not only do they hover, fly backward, and shift sideways, but they can also fly straight up and down. In summer, males establish feeding territories from which they chase, very aggressively, not only their own kind, but even bumblebees which come to feed. Males guard their feeding territories by spectacular, swinging, pendulum-like flights, or intimidation displays.

Hummingbirds must feed almost continuously all day to remain alive. Besides flower nectar, hummingbirds get the protein they need by eating small beetles, weevils, bugs, mosquitoes, aphids and spiders.

Hummingbird feeders may be hung anywhere in a conspicuous place. Once the feeders have been erected, it may take a week or two for the hummingbirds to find the feeders. Be sure to change the nectar solution weekly and clean the feeder often to prevent the growth of bacteria. Bacterial growth can harm hummingbirds if it is ingested.

For a more natural food supply, plant domestic flowers such as azalea, begonia, gladiolus, geranium, snapdragon, petunia, nasturtium and others with tubular red or orange flowers. Some native flowers that can be transplanted include jewelweed, cardinal flower and phlox. Other flowering plants and trees preferred by hummingbirds include honeysuckle and mimosa.

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EXPO BENEFITS HUNTERS FOR THE HUNGRY

The first annual Crossville Sportsman?s Expo is scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 2006 at the Cumberland County Community Complex/Fairgrounds. The non-profit event starts at 8 a.m., with admission of only $1.00 or a canned food, both to be donated to help fund Tennessee?s Hunters for the Hungry Program.

In addition, organizers hope to raise enough funds to also help the Scholastic Clay Target Program and the National Archery in the Schools Program currently underway in the Cumberland County school system.

?We now have a clay target and an archery team at the Crossville High School and the archery program has expanded to Stone and North Cumberland elementary schools,? said Matt Clarey, Hunter Education Coordinator, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. ?We would like those programs expanded in the future, and they have proven to build self-esteem in children who participate. Many students cannot complete on the athletic field or excel in music, but can find personal growth while participating,? Clarey added.

The event features professional bowhunter and author, Bobby Worthington, scheduled to conduct a book signing and a bowhunting seminar, free barbequed pork lunches will be provided for all attendees and vendors, a turkey calling contest sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation local chapter, the Plateau Longbeards, TWRA will have a wildlife display, score deer heads, and host an archery range for all ages. Amedisys Home Health will host a chili cook-off with the proceeds benefiting NWTF purchasing equipment for the Archery in the Schools Program at the Crossville High School. An archery competition is planned featuring both traditional and compound classes; the University of Tennessee Extension Agency will host a seminar on food plots and will be accepting soil samples for analysis, The Over-the-Hill Gang will play bluegrass from 10 a.m. until 11 a. m. and free door prizes will be given aways.

Deer heads to be scored must not have been scored prior to the event and must be brought to the rear door of the main building at the fairgrounds. Deer scoring ends at 1:30 p. m.

?This event is our first effort to help out some real good programs in our area. We hope all area sportsmen and women can attend and help us support the Hunters for the Hungry, Scholastic Clay Target, Archery in the Schools Programs and some other local charities,? Doyle McCoy, Event Organizer said.

For more vendor information, contact Doyle at 931-335-3030 or for general information, visit the event website www.crossvilleoutdoorexpo.com.