Bears
Bears
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Warning:
Bears are wild animals that are dangerous and unpredictable. Do not approach bears.
Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, is illegal in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals
Information on Bears - National Park Service
If you see a bear:
Remain watchful.
Do not approach it
Do not allow the bear to approach you.
If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close.
Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don't run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.
For additional information and resources
Be Bear Wise
BearWise is managed by a national team of state agency bear biologists and bear managers who provide resources and education on practical realities of living responsibly with bears.
If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing, or paw swatting:
Change your direction.
If the bear continues to follow you, stand your ground.
If the bear gets closer, talk loudly or shout at it.
Act aggressively to intimidate the bear. Waving your arms high in the air and shouting will give the bear an impression that you are larger and pose as a threat.
Act together as a group if you have companions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground).
Throw non-food objects such as rocks at the bear.
Use a deterrent such as a stout stick.
Don't run and don't turn away from the bear.
Don't leave food for the bear; this encourages further problems.
Feeding a bear will kill it.
Don’t leave garbage sitting on the porch, even if it’s tied up in a bag.
Leave automobile windows rolled up and lock the doors. Any food like items left in a car will be tempting for a bear to enter the vehicle in search of food.
While you may think it won't hurt to leave scraps of food out for a bear, you are not the first one to think that. Bears will eventually become dependent upon humans for food and will become aggressive.
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