Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Have A Bearable Spring! Part 2
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on April 2, 2024
This week, we're continuing our deep dive into the world of the black bear, one of the many animal species that call Great Smoky Mountains National Park home. In our last post, we mentioned that as we get further into spring, the bear population will be emerging from its winter hibernation and set out in search of food. Mama bears and papa bears will be foraging for sustenance not only for themselves but for their cubs, which are often born during hibernation.
One of the main points we stressed last week was that as bear-human interactions increase throughout the season, park visitors should treat this native species responsibly and with respect. That means keeping a healthy distance from bears and not feeding them, which makes them dependent on human food and increases the likelihood of bear incursions into human-developed areas.
Now let's continue our in-depth look at bear behavior and consider some other things that we as park visitors can do to maintain a healthy dynamic between man and critter. Let's start with what the National Park Service recommends as the best protocol for when you accidentally find yourself in close proximity to a bear (we're assuming that you're not going to deliberately get close to a bear, especially a mother bear and her cubs).
First, keep an eye on the situation. Don't turn your back and assume the bear won't approach you. And as we mentioned, please do not approach the bear(s). If the bear continues its usual behavior, you should be fine. Gradually separate yourself from the bear while keeping an eye on it. However, if your presence causes the bear to change its behavior - such as stopping feeding, changing direction or keeping ITS eye on YOU - you're too close.
When you get too close to a bear, it may become aggressive. This could include charging you, making loud noises or swatting at the ground. This means the bear is demanding more space. Give it! Don't run away, but slowly back away, keeping your eyes on the bear. Most bears will respond in kind.
However, what do you do if a bear persists in following you or approaching you without displaying aggressive behavior? Start by changing your direction. If the bear continues to follow, then you'll need to stand your ground. It's not instinctive, but it's your best chance to mitigate the situation. You can talk loudly or shout at the bear and even act aggressively, such as throwing non-food objects at the bear, like a rock or a sturdy stick. Sometimes, raising your arms high overhead can make you look bigger and appear intimidating to the bear. If you're hiking with a group, everyone should do these things simultaneously. The greater the perceived threat, the more likely the bear will retreat.
If a bear continues to approach and gets within 20 yards of you, it's time for the bear spray (if you're carrying it). You'll need to stand your ground and deter the bear with the spray. The worst thing you can do is play dead. Fight back aggressively with any available object. Although it will be tempting to turn and run, please know that people can't outrun bears. They are deceptively fast and are also good tree climbers.
On the other hand, if it appears that a bear is simply after your food, separate yourself from the food source and let it have its way. This isn't ideal, because we don't want bears to depend on us for food, but if it makes the difference between being attacked by a bear and not being attacked, then let the bear have your food. It can be replaced. You can't.
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, we're far enough away from the national park boundary that bear sightings here are rare. But as bears encroach more and more often on human territory, it's not unheard of to see them in places they should be. In the meantime, come enjoy our Pigeon Forge zip line attraction. At least if a bear shows up during your tour, you'll probably sail right over it!
Next week, we'll be back with one final installment of black bear info.
