Alicia,
We are in East Tennessee, a little town outside Maryville in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. We live on six acres and love watching the wildlife around here. We have seen deer, foxes, turkeys, possums, etc.
Wow, your bear encounter sounds fascinating. Hope to be able to see grizzlies one of these days. We have seen black bears in the smoky mountains.
Look forward to meeting you and Rick one of these days..
Safe travels,
Donna