After grabbing dinner, a tourist in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, almost witnessed another person become dinner.
In an Instagram reel posted by touronsofnationalparks (@touronsofnationalparks), a group of tourists were shown getting chased by a black bear through the streets of downtown Gatlinburg.
In the clip, several people are seen running frantically across a crosswalk as a black bear lumbers behind them, briefly halting traffic. One man nervously jogs sideways, looking back at the bear, while others scatter.
The video is one of many that highlight the growing number of human-bear encounters in places like Gatlinburg, which sits on the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
As towns expand and more tourists flock to bear country, these moments are becoming alarmingly common. But while the footage may be funny or dramatic, experts warn that scenes like this put both people and animals in danger.
When bears become accustomed to human presence, they can lose their natural fear of people. This habituation increases the likelihood of dangerous encounters, which may result in authorities euthanizing the bear to protect public safety.
Support pets in need with these special-edition memory foam shoes BOBS from Skechers has helped over 2 million shelter pets around the world — and the charity program just announced this year’s Paws for a Cause design-winning sneakers. These "hound huggers" and "kitten kicks" sneakers are machine washable and equipped with memory foam insoles. Plus, they were designed by passionate students who were inspired by their very own rescue pets. BOBS from Skechers is also committed to donating half a million dollars to the Best Friends Animal Society this year to help every dog and cat experience the safety and support of a loving home. |
For instance, in 2019, a young black bear in Oregon was euthanized after people repeatedly fed it and took selfies, leading the animal to approach humans regularly.
Similarly, in Lake Tahoe, a bear named Hank the Tank invaded 21 homes.
"Gatlinburg area is probably the worst for bear habituation in the country. And the bears get killed for it when it's the people doing it," said one commenter on the post.
Securing food sources, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding actions that attract bears are crucial steps in preventing habituation. While these steps are critical to keeping people at a safe distance from bears, sometimes encounters can still happen.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
|
What would it take for you to get rid of your gas stove?
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
I'd pay for it myself 💪 "First rule, don't run. Black bears are shy, give them space, stay still and they walk right past you. I encounter them quite often and nothing ever happens," advised another commenter.
Thankfully, this incident appeared to resolve itself with no one or bear harmed.
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
