Bear Found Dead In Hot Car In Sevier County

With the heat we are experiencing, we are hearing a lot about making sure you do not leave children or pets in a hot car. Now there’s something else to be aware of. A Sevierville resident came out to their car Wednesday evening to find a bear dead in their car. TWRA Officials believe the bear got inside the car by using its paws or teeth and then got trapped after the door shut behind them. Officers said the temperature outside was above 95 degrees, meaning the temperature inside the car could’ve been hotter than 140 degrees. There were empty soda cans and food packages in the floorboard of the car…which attracted the bear. The TWRA reminds people that bears have noses 7 times better than a bloodhound and can smell even the faintest odor of food inside a vehicle. They say Lock your doors, roll up your windows, and never leave food or anything that smells like food inside your car. The TWRA says empty food containers, candy wrappers, fast food bags, and even air fresheners can attract bears.