A Recent Bear Encounter in Gatlinburg is Stirring Emotions

I don’t normally touch upon these subjects in Gatlinburg, but I’m going to try and do it in a way as not to ruffle too many feathers. If you're looking for strong emotions from me about this incident, I will probably be disappointing you. What I want to give rise to are the facts of the matter. Too many times our emotions lead to bad decisions we eventually regret. You may be passionate about an issue, but stepping back to reflect and reason results in much better outcomes. I know from experience having a more measured response is never a bad idea…so here we go.

I have no idea what led to this recent bear encounter outside the Bearskin Lodge hotel in Gatlinburg, but video taken on June 18 showed a bear getting a little too intimate with two women and a child outside the lobby door. The video shows a woman holding a child standing still with her back to the bear as it grabs at her clothing and grazes the foot of the child. The bear lingers as the other lady also doesn’t dare move, and eventually the opportunity for safety inside the hotel materializes as the bear gradually moves away.

Here's the video

This was quite frightening to watch, and again, I don’t know the circumstances prior to the video being shot. What we know now is that a trap is going to be set for the bear to unfortunately be euthanized. Look, this is not something the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) wants to do. But here’s the reality: I know my first reaction—among many of yours as well—is that of “why can’t they relocated the bear?”

We should rely on the experts and not our emotions when they say this is not normal bear behavior. And from what I do know, this seems to be correct. You simply don’t see bears going up to people like a friendly dog that wants food. According to these experts, you can’t just relocate the bear. It’ll come back. Maybe not here, but another area where it seeks food, and it will likely exhibit the same behavior. Why?

Yes, humans. We are to blame. It is quite likely that this bear was being fed by ignorant individuals who have no idea they are fueling more aggressive tendencies from these wild animals. Yes, they are wild animals, and…also yes, this is where they live too. We have to look out for our own kind, but we can do our part by following basic rules for wildlife here in the Smoky Mountains, so we can co-exist without resorting to putting down these beautiful creatures. I hate it very much so, but sadly, it’s where we are. I just wish people could be more smart and respectful around them. It angers a good many of us, including myself, but education is key, and we need to keep pounding this message of keeping a safe distance (50 yards), properly disposing of trash, and for goodness sake, DO NOT feed the bears!

Thank you for reading and subscribing to my publication! I hope you continue to follow me along my Gatlinburg journey. I want to give you the best, most detailed information to help you, and maybe even entertain you. Thanks again for helping me realize my passion for not only being here, but writing about our experiences as well! Stay tuned!