Gatlinburg Hosting BearWise Open House

This summer there have been several altercations between people and bears, especially in Sevier County around Gatlinburg. These interactions usually do not result in a good outcome for the bear. Bears that become what is called food conditioned, because they have either been fed by humans, or have found a food source in unsecured trash cans, are likely to have an encounter with people. Those bears if caught have to be euthanized to protect the public from harm.

The City of Gatlinburg recently posted new signs at the city limits saying that feeding bears is illegal in Gatlinburg and also to remind residents and tourists to secure their trash. Now Gatlinburg officials are hosting an event to better educate the public. The City of Gatlinburg, the Smokies BearWise Task Force, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are partnering together to host an Open House to educate the public and businesses on bear management practices. The Open House event is aimed at educating residents, businesses, and visitors about living safely and responsibly along with the best bear management practices, aimed at reducing human-bear interactions.

That event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the American Legion Building in Gatlinburg, which is located at 1222 East Parkway of US 321. The event is open to the public and is free of charge.