The National Park Service is urging visitors to stay away from and never feed black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park has recently seen an increase in visitors attempting to feed bears, an example of remarkable dangerous behavior to both the visitor, other visitors, and the bears themselves.
Tourists Attempt To Feed Black Bears
In just the past week, national park staff received reports of three separate incidents in which visitors intentionally fed black bears. In one incident, which occurred at Maloney Point, a visitor was spotted feeding a mother and her two cubs. Law enforcement rangers did issue a citation for this incident, which can result in fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
Feeding bears is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Feeding a bear just once can lead to the animal seeking out humans for food in the future. If a bear becomes conditioned to human food and loses its natural fear of people, it’s more likely to be hit by a car or, in more extreme conditions, may need to be euthanized.
Black Bears of Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
Around 1,900 American black bears live inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it’s the most visited national in the United States. That unique combination of high visitation and a high bear population means there’s an increased likelihood of human-bear encounters.
Bear activity is currently especially high as natural food sources are scarce. Plus the stressors of peak breeding season encourage bear activity. Mother bears are actively separating from their 18-month-old yearlings at this point as well, leaving inexperienced juveniles to navigate survival on their own. These young bears are much more likely to wander into highly populated areas in encounter humans.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Bear Safety & Guidelines:
- “Never feed or approach bears. Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away. Violating this regulation can result in fines and arrest.
- Store food and trash securely. Keep all food, trash and scented items in a locked, hard-sided vehicle. In backcountry areas, use bear cables to hang food properly.
- Leave pets at home. Dogs can provoke defensive and predatory behavior in bears. Only two trails in the park allow dogs: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Be prepared and stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or camping. Always stay together when hiking in a group. Visitors may consider carrying bear spray. Predatory behavior, from bears, such as stalking has occurred in the park.
- Report violations and unusual bear behavior. If you see someone feeding or approaching a bear, or if you witness a bear acting unusually, report it to park authorities immediately: (865) 436-1230.
Visitors play a crucial role in their own safety and the well-being of our black bears. By practicing these precautions, you contribute to the conservation of black bears and foster a safer environment in the park. Learn more about black bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.“
