Rangers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an area home to approximately 1,900 American black bears, were forced to close multiple trails, roads, and areas following several bear-related incidents throughout the park, including one where a guest was bitten by one of the animals.
According to the National Park Service, this past weekend saw three bear-related incidents at Ramsey Cascades Trail. Two encounters saw the animal approach visitors and steal backpacks, while the third saw a bear display aggressive behavior and briefly chase a group of park guests. In response, the park has closed Ramsey Prong Road and Ramsey Cascades Trail as rangers monitor activity in the area.
Three other incidents occurred on Abrams Falls Trail last weekend, including one case in which a bear bit a visitor who entered a closed area. The Abrams Falls access road and trail were closed but have since reopened after several days with no observed bear activitiy.
Spring comes with an increase in bear activity throughout Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Mother bears are currently emerging from their dens with young cubs, searching for limited early-season food. Getting too close can easily cause stress and lead to unsafe encounters.
Bears and other wildlife should always be given plenty of space, and food and trash should be stored responsibly. Hikers and visitors should stay alert while traveling on trails. Read below for further bear safety guidelines in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Bear Safety:
- Never approach bears. Stay at least 50 yards (150 feet) away. Violating this regulation can result in fines and arrest. Â
- Don’t create a bear jam. Seeing a bear from your vehicle is always exciting, but stopping in the middle of the road creates hazards for wildlife, increases emergency response times and impacts other visitors. When viewing a bear from your car, remain inside the vehicle and move on from the bear quickly so as not to impede traffic. Â
- Secure food and trash. Keep all food, trash and scented items in a locked, hard-sided vehicle and lock vehicle doors. In backcountry areas, use bear cables to hang food or scented items, and do not store these items in a tent or shelter.  Pack out all trash and food scraps when hiking.Â
- Never feed a bear. Feeding wildlife in the park is a federal offense and can result in fines of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.  Feeding a bear even once can result in that bear becoming conditioned to human food and losing its fear of humans. Fed bears have been euthanized in the park due to visitor actions.  Â
- Leave pets at home. Dogs can provoke defensive and predatory behavior in bears. Dogs are permitted on the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail only.  Â
- Be prepared and stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or camping. Always stay with your group. Consider carrying bear spray and know how to use it properly. Bears in the park have exhibited predatory behavior, such as stalking, especially with solo hikers.  Â
- Report violations and unusual bear behavior. If you see someone feeding or approaching a bear, or if you witness unnatural bear behavior, report it to park authorities immediately by calling 865-436-1230 or filling out a bear incident report.  Â
