BEAR EUTHANIZED AFTER ATTACKING A FAMILY IN THEIR TENT
Gatlinburg, Tenn. — On Sunday morning, a family had a close call with a bear at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The family had been staying at the Elkmont Campground when a bear ripped into their tent . The dad was able to scare the bear away but not before it scratched his 3-year-old daughter and the child’s mom on their heads. Park officials say that the scratches were superficial and the pair were not seriously harmed.
According to their website, the Elkmont Campground remains open, and tents and soft-sided shelters are not recommended until further notice.
As a public safety precaution, sites K1-4, K6, K7 & K11; L1-7 in the Elkmont Campground K/L-Loops are temporarily closed for the safety of visitors.
Due to the risk to human safety, the bear was humanely euthanized on Monday, June 13.
The bear’s behavior appeared to be inconsistent with predatory behavior, but rather that of a food-conditioned bear. Human-bear conflicts peak in late May and June when natural foods, like berries, are not yet available. Bears are attracted to the smell of food and garbage in our developed areas, like campgrounds and picnic areas. Campers are reminded to take necessary precautions including properly following food storage regulations while in bear country. Park staff will continue to track reports of bear activity in campgrounds and other busy locations and notify the public regarding any site warnings or closures.
Though rare, attacks on humans can occur, causing injuries or death. If attacked by a black bear, rangers strongly recommend fighting back with any object available, and remember that the bear may view you as prey.
