Just days after a black bear crashed Gatlinburg’s 50th annual Christmas parade, the Tennessee town got another terrifying reminder of its wild neighbors. On Dec. 10, a second black bear wandered into downtown, this time resulting in a frightening close call caught on video.
Footage shows a man attempting to shoo the bear off the road by approaching it—and even patting it on the rear. The bear immediately turned, lunging twice at the man before he backed off, luckily without anyone being injured. The viral clip has rattled locals and visitors alike, proving that these majestic animals are not to be taken lightly.
“This is a dangerous situation for both humans and wildlife,” warned Matt Cameron, a wildlife information specialist with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. Bears in the area, particularly ones that aren’t afraid of humans, may eventually have to be euthanized if they continue seeking human contact, he explained.
While Gatlinburg residents are used to black bears—about 1,500 roam the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park—close encounters like this one are a stark reminder to keep a safe distance. City officials recommend staying at least 150 feet away and never approaching or harassing a wild bear.
After the parade bear and now this downtown incident, Gatlinburg is proving that even in the heart of festive cheer, nature can suddenly—and frighteningly—step into the spotlight.
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serves him right for going to Gatlinburg. The plastic capital of the world!!
| | Just days after a black bear crashed Gatlinburg’s 50th annual Christmas parade, the Tennessee town got another terrifying reminder of its wild neighbors. On Dec. 10, a second black bear wandered into downtown, this time resulting in a frightening close… | Read on blog or Reader | | Next |
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