Taking cues from the black bear and other signal species

This Is Nashville · Jun 2, 2026 · 50m

We’re surrounded by wildlife that tells us something about our ecosystem if we’ll take just a moment to stop and smell the roses (or, in this case, take a gander at the kudzu). With our partners in the Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom, we’re investigating so-called “signal species," starting with the lovable black bear. As their population has rebounded, so have human interactions – both positive and negative.

Guests

Caroline Eggers, WPLN environmental reporter

John Boyle, deputy managing editor, Appalachia + Mid-South Newsroom

Janelle Musser, black bear support biologist, Tennessee Wildlife…