A Friday evening ride through Blount County turned dangerous when a Maryland motorcyclist collided with a bear on East Lamar Alexander Parkway. The 69-year-old woman lost control of her bike, skidded, and came to rest in the center of the road in the 6100 block of East Lamar Alexander Parkway at about 6:15 p.m. Witnesses said the bear took off after the impact, and authorities have not yet released how serious the rider’s injuries are.
According to WATE 6 On Your Side, the Tennessee Highway Patrol said the crash happened around 6:15 p.m. in the 6100 block of East Lamar Alexander Parkway when the rider lost control and slid to a stop in the roadway. WVLT reports that a witness who did not stay at the scene later told the rider’s significant other that she had struck a bear and that the animal ran away afterward. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has not provided any further updates on the motorcyclist’s condition.
Bear Activity Near the Smokies
The National Park Service warned in May that spring and summer mean more bear movement near park roads, and drivers are urged to stay alert. Bears are especially active at dawn and dusk, increasing the chances of animals crossing roads that border Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That seasonal uptick in wildlife traffic makes stretches of the Parkway a place to slow down, scan the shoulders, and expect the unexpected.
Local Response and BearWise Work
State wildlife officials and community partners are leaning on public education campaigns like BearWise to keep bears wild and cut down on vehicle encounters. As BearWise and recent local coverage explain, wildlife managers stress that trapping and relocating problem bears rarely solves the issue for long, while removing food attractants is far more effective. Residents and visitors are urged to lock up trash, secure grills, and bring in pet food so bears do not start connecting people and neighborhoods with easy meals.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Riders and drivers are generally advised not to jerk the wheel or make sudden swerves when an animal appears, but to brake firmly and hold a straight line when it is safe to do so, guidance that park and wildlife agencies regularly share. The National Park Service also urges people to give wildlife plenty of space and to report hazardous animals to local authorities. If you hit an animal or see an injured bear, officials say you should contact local law enforcement or the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency so trained responders can check the scene and remove any hazards from the roadway.
