GSMNP Issues Warning About Feeding Bears
The National Park Service is urging people to not feed or approach bears in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In just the past week, the park received reports of three separate incidents in which visitors intentionally fed bears. One of the incidents occurred at Maloney Point near Laurtel Falls where a visitor was observed feeding a mother bear and her two cubs. Law enforcement rangers issued a citation for that incident. Feeding wildlife in the park is a federal offense and can result in fines of up to $5,000 or up to six months in jail.
Park officials remind people that feeding a bear even once can lead to that bear seeking out humans for food leading the bear to lose its natural fear of humans. Feeding a bear even once can result in that bear becoming conditioned to human food.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to approximately 1,900 American black bears and is the most visited national park in the United States, with around 12 million visitors each year. That combination of bears and people increases the likelihood of human-bear encounters, especially when bears venture into developed areas in search of food. A bear was shot by a homeowner just over a week ago in Sevier County after th bear brolke into his home. The TWRA said that bear had been food conditioned by humans.
Bear safety guidelines and regulations:
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.