Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The danger to both humans and bears is real. In the last 100 years, there have been 56 attacks by black bears in the United States. Two incidents caused fatalities in East Tennessee. Bears’ lives are threatened by human encounters as well: bears accustomed to finding garbage often must be killed by wildlife management officials. Bears are a danger to themselves and others when they rely on scavenging for garbage. For this reason, it is critical that those who share the mountains with bears be vigilant in securing garbage so bears cannot get to it. If bears cannot access garbage or other food rewards, they will not venture into human areas.

Bears are naturally shy and will make an effort to avoid humans when they have not learned to eat human foods. A tempting treat for bears, garbage should never be left where a bear can get to it. To protect yourself and to protect the bears, follow these guidelines for bear safety:

• Do not leave garbage outdoors overnight. Bears are active at night and will discover the garbage.
• Secure garbage in a sturdy building or a bear-resistant trash container.
• Do not leave pet food where bears can find it.
• Keep bird feeders out of the reach of bears.
• Keep grills and other cooking equipment clean and grease-free, or store where bears cannot get to it.

In the Pigeon Forge area, it is possible to encounter a bear anywhere you go. When you enter the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains, your chances of meeting a bear increase. Campers, hikers, and even motorists can encounter bears. For your safety, and for the safety of the bears, follow these precautions:

Bear Aware in Campgrounds and Picnic Areas:

• Do not cook or store food in or near your tent; cook away from sleeping areas.
• Keep your camp clean, and place all refuse in bear-resistant receptacles, where available. Minimize food odors wherever possible.
• Do not store items that bears can smell inside your tent, including deodorant, toothpaste, and soap. Place these items in a secure place, or hang them out of the reach of bears. Combine this practice with placing your “smell-ables” in an air-tight container to minimize odors for additional safety. In the Smokies, backcountry camping sites are equipped with hangers to hoist your pack safely out of the reach of bears.
• Pack out your garbage when you leave.
• Do not feed bears! Don’t contribute to a bad habit that can endanger the bear and others.
• Avoid risking your pets in areas where bears are present. A recent bear attack in the Pigeon Forge area resulted when a dog jumped out of a car and approached a bear and her two cubs. The bear scooped the dog away from the cubs, and the dog’s owner attempted to rescue the dog by kicking the bear. The bear then swatted the man, and he was sent to the emergency room. Your pets must be secure at all times!

Bear Aware On the Trail or in the Backcountry:

• Avoid sneaking up on bears. Bears do not like surprises! When hiking through bear country, make noise when you cannot see the trail ahead well. Talk loudly or sing to make your presence known. Consider wearing a bell; many hikers place bells on their shoelaces.
• Hiking in a group helps alert bears that you are in the area.
• Bears are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid hiking during these times.
• Be on the lookout for evidence of bears, including droppings, prints, and scratch marks.
• Do not hike with a pet. Pets can attract bears to you or provoke an attack.
• Learn and obey the rules and regulations of the wilderness and other areas you're hiking in. Start by visiting the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg.

If you Encounter a Bear:

• Remain CALM and avoid sudden movements.
• Do not approach any bear. Bears like to be left alone, and will feel threatened if you get too close. If the bear is threatened, it may act to defend itself or cubs.
• You will know when a bear feels threatened if it changes its natural behavior. You are too close to the bear if it stops feeding, foraging, or moving. Respect the bear’s comfort zone and keep your distance.
• If you violate the bear’s comfort zone, it may run away, but it may also react defensively. If it is afraid of you, the bear may “bluff” and charge. Remain calm, stand still and slowly back away when the bear stops if this happens.
• Do NOT run from a bear. Black Bears can run at 30 mph. You cannot outrun a black bear, and you might encourage it to chase you by running.
• Slowly back away from a bear without losing sight of the bear.
• Appear to be larger by holding your arms out at your side.
• If the bear attempts to approach you, throw something at it, such as a stone or stick. Attempt this as a last resort, do not provoke the bear. Use a large stick to fend off an agressive bear. Throw any possession to distract the bear, such as a camera, if the bear does not retreat. A bear that shows no natural fear of humans is rare. Such a bear is also dangerous and should be reported to authorities.

Remember to be Bear Aware while you are in the Pigeon Forge area. Your safety and the safety of one of the most magnificent inhabitants of the Smokies, the Black Bear, depends on it.