I'm not too far from where this happened.
There have been a lot of bear sightings all over the state, including one in west Tennessee, where they haven't had bears for 100 years. In addition to the little girl killed this year there was also a lady killed by a black bear here a couple of years ago.
We did have an exceptional acorn crop last fall, so reproduction will be good this year. I believe the populations are expanding and wouldn't be surprised to see one in my neighborhood.
The growth of the black and brown bear populations are up almost everywhere.
With the expensive introductions of Canadian wolves and other predators to American farm lands and ranch lands, as well as the elimination of some of the spring bear hunt seasons...the middle class is under attack.