Don't Feed The Bears [Video] - Be Careful Out There!

Don't Feed The Bears! We ALL know better, but when we see them in Cades Cove or in the mountains some just can NOT resist! While extremely rare, we know from the recent tragic news stories that they can happen. Click here for WIBR's video.

The bear's keen sense of smell leads it to nuts and berries, but the animal is also enticed by human food left on a picnic table or offered from an outstretched hand. Feeding bears or allowing them access to human food causes a number of problems:

Smoky Mountain Black Bears and YOU!

• Nuisance bears damage property and injure people. In 1993, 110 bear related incidents were recorded and extensive property damage occurred.
• Feeding bears transforms wild and healthy bears into habitual beggars. Studies have shown that nuisance bears never live as long as wild bears. Many are hit by cars and become easy targets for poachers. Beggar bears may die from ingesting food packaging and aggressive nuisance bears must be destroyed by park managers. For these reasons, National Park Rangers issue citations for improper food storage and feeding bears. These offenses can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail sentences lasting up to six months. Visitors are urged to view all wildlife at a safe distance and never to leave food or garbage unattended.
• Be sure to "bear-proof" your food, toothpaste and cosmetics. If you're car camping, store food in a food locker, preferably in the trunk of your car, or keep food covered and out of sight.
• If you're backpacking, suspend food and food garbage on the cable systems provided at backcountry campsites.
• Keep your tent, sleeping bag, clothing and other gear clean and free of food odor.
• If a bear approaches, keep a safe distance and use good judgement. Never attempt to try to recover or retrieve food or belongings once a bear has possession!

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