Gatlinburg Locals and Business Owners Notice Increase in Bear Sightings

The Bear Necessities in Gatlinburg

Bears: The Real Celebrities of the Smokies

Ah, Gatlinburg. A place where the mist clings to the Smoky Mountains, and bears are as constant as tourists. To locals, these majestic creatures are not just pretty faces; they’re heavyweight contributors to the economy. You see, people don’t just come to Gatlinburg for a stroll through the woods — they come for the bears. Seth Butler, a true local, couldn’t put it better. "People come to Gatlinburg, they want to see a bear," he says. And guess what? Chances are, you will. Gatlinburg’s bear population is on a steady incline, much like its popularity.

The Growing Bear-Human Conundrum

But while they might seem like harmless Smoky Mountain mascots, the encounter between humans and bears is more problematic than you’d think. Sadly, this year, bear euthanasians have already doubled since 2023. It’s a real tightrope walk, balancing the need to protect these animals while ensuring human safety. Not everyone in business is keen to chat about this escalating issue, but Brian Rainwater, an Atlanta guy with a Gatlinburg cabin, is one exception.

Keeping Bears at Arm’s Length

So what’s Brian’s angle? "Please don’t feed the bears," he warns his guests with clear signs on his rental decks. "If they get cozy with humans, they end up euthanized." He’s all about spreading the word that a fed bear is a dead bear. It’s a hard truth, but one that’s crucial for both bears and humans alike.

Bearing the Risk: The Grizzly Reality

Bear encounters are not just cute Instagram moments. Greg Grieco, once a national park ranger and now with the Appalachian Bear Rescue, has faced the grittier side. "A bear that looks at you like a dog or tries to paw at you is waiting for food. It’s a huge threat." If a bear stalks or more seriously threatens you, it’s curtains for the bear, unfortunately. The encounter could end with the bear hurt or worse, if it decides to break into your car or follow you.

The Cost of Offense

For the forgetful feeders or aggressive selfie-seekers, those careless moments could set you back financially. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is doling out $50 fines plus $180 in court costs. Meanwhile, whispers in the legislative corridors suggest more robust measures could be on the horizon. WVLT’s Lexi Lepof reported that one Tennessee lawmaker is on a mission to change how bear-human encounters are handled.

Bears may be the pride of Gatlinburg, but the challenge is real. Ensuring a harmonious coexistence is more crucial now than ever.