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BEAR FEARS:
Black bears encountered in the Smokies can be one of the most memorable
outdoor experiences. Overall, bear attacks are
extremely rare, given that there has been only one recorded fatality from a
bear attack in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Black bears tend to by shy and retiring, usually
yielding to the sound of hikers approaching. However, following winter
when mother and cubs emerge from their den, mother bears anxiously seek
food for their young, so be especially cautious during the spring. Keep maximum
distance from a nursing mother bear. It's never a good idea to approach
any bear being they are unpredictable wild animals. If a bear feels
threatened, it may growl in it's throat, paw the ground, or run towards
you. If charged, never run from a bear, but back away slowly and
watch it's moves. Bears sense
fear and if you run, they may mistake you for easy prey. Never climb a
tree, or go into a cave if avoiding a bear. The best protection from a
bear is self confidence: Stand your ground, raise your hands or hold
your coat or shirt up behind your head to appear larger than you are, and
yell, throw rocks, sticks, or kick the dirt while slowly backing away.
Whistles or air horns are a good alternative to your voice,
but remember if you are too close, the bear may be startled by the sharp noise. If attacked, don't lie down, fight back
by striking the
bear in the nose or eyes. Dropping food in your retreat is not a prudent
measure as the bear may follow you for more. And, you must
remember to be cautious and respectful of wild black bears in their natural
habitat, and keep in mind their have been millions of good bear sightings
in the Great Smokies without fear of danger. With understanding and
by following
these few simple rules, you may ease bear fears, and allow for a more relaxed,
positive engagement with one of natures most interesting
creatures.
Don't Feed the Bears
There's a familiar slogan yesterday and it is ever more important
today. Since population and urban expansion is increasing, bear habitat
is dwindling. Bears are being forced from land they once thrived
in. Feeding the bears or leaving food exposed at campsites will teach
wild bears to associate humans with food. This unfortunate practice
leads to nuisance behavior in wild bears causing conflicts at parking lots,
garbage areas, camping, and fishing sites. Bears that develop a taste for
human food soon abandon their natural sources of sustenance and engage in
begging or raiding picnic areas. Such bears may be tagged as
nuisance bears and then may have to be destroyed by the park service.
Keep food in metal containers or packs suspended eight to ten feet off the
ground between trees. For more information visit the
Great
Smoky Mountains National Park web site.
And remember, only YOU can prevent forest fires.
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