PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Someone visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was cited this week for feeding a mother bear and her cubs, prompting park officials to remind guests of safety reminders.
In the past week, three incidents of visitors feeding black bears occurred in the park, including one at Maloney Point where a visitor fed a mother bear and her cubs.
Park officials remind people that feeding bears is illegal for the safety of both the wild animals and visitors. Addtionally, those who feed a bear can face up to $5,000 in fines and six months in jail.
Feeding bears poses significant dangers, leading to bears seeking human food, losing their natural fear and potentially becoming aggressive. Such behavior increases the risk of bears being hit by cars or euthanized.
Visitors can help by not feeding wildlife, staying 50 yards away from bears, securely storing food, leaving pets at home, staying alert and reporting violations to park officials.
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