Person in vehicle scratched by food-habituated bear in Smokies
Aug. 11—An encounter with a bear that has become habituated to humans prompted the indefinite closure of a road in the Cades Cove area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
A bear approached a vehicle with a person inside, and the person experienced minor scratches. The incident suggests the bear had come to associate vehicles with food.
"When people intentionally attract bears with human food or pet food it can lead to a dangerous situation for visitors, local communities, and the bears," said Superintendent Cassius Cash.
The person who was approached in their vehicle was not responsible for the bear encounter and did not contribute to the bear's habituation, according to park officials.
August is a critical time of year for bears when berries, acorns, and other primary food sources are not in season. Bears will often approach vehicles in search of food.
Once someone throws food out of a vehicle toward a bear, or leaves food on the ground, the bear becomes conditioned to that food and that experience. Over time, food-conditioned bears may become bold and aggressive in their attempts to obtain human food and may approach vehicles and people.
A mother bear will then teach that inappropriate and dangerous behavior to her cubs.
Following the incident last week, Rich Mountain Road was closed to all traffic until further notice. The road will be closed to give bears in the area an opportunity to eat and forage undisturbed.
"By closing Rich Mountain Road, we are protecting people and bears," said Cash.
Park visitors and residents of local communities can help ensure their safety and the future of black bears by taking responsible steps to prevent bears from becoming conditioned to human food, pet food, and trash. Never intentionally approach, feed, or leave food or trash out for a bear.
Do not stop along roadways in the vicinity of bears and always remain 50 yards or more from bears. Photographers should use telephoto lenses. For tips and more information, visit BearWise®, which teaches people how to live and recreate responsibly in bear habitat.
To report a bear incident or unusual bear activity in the Smokies, call 865-436-1230.
