The Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have issued a stern reminder to visitors: Feeding bears is a no-no. According to a recent statement, the park is grappling with a spike in incidents where tourists get too close for comfort with the local black bear population, often handing out snacks despite clear regulations prohibiting such actions. Just last week, three separate reports came in, with one brazen individual cited for feeding a mother bear and her cubs at Maloney Point.
Fed by humans, bears can lose their natural wariness and begin seeing people as a food source instead of potential threats, leading to dangerous shifts in behavior. It's not a cute picnic, it's a federal offense. Park visitors caught in the act can face fines up to $5,000 or even six months in jail. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a reigning champion in U.S. park visitations with around 12 million guests per year, is a hotspot where hungry bears and clueless humans are creating a cocktail of risk that could lead to deadly consequences, both for people and for the bears themselves.
A scarcity of natural foods and the stress of breeding season mean bear encounters are on the rise, as moms kick their 18-month yearlings out of the den to make it on their own. As these young bears wander into human turf in search of easy calories, patrolling rangers are doubling down on safety messaging. The list is clear: keep your distance—50 yards minimum, to be precise—lock up your snacks, ditch the dog at home unless you're hitting one of the two trails where they're welcome, and yes, bear spray might just be the new hiking must-have. Predatory stalks by bears have happened; it's not folklore, it's a fact.
And if you spot someone breaking the rules or a bear that's gotten a tad too familiar with humans, report it by calling (865) 436-1230.
