After seeing these recent videos on social media of Gatlinburg Tennessee Bears getting close to people, we wanted to talk with TWRA and go over Is it safe, how you can prevent incidents like this and what you should do if you do find yourself in a close encounter with black bear in The Smokies.
They keep DESTROYING their habitat! That's why they are being seen more and more. It's horrific what they are doing to these mountains. I'm retired and moved here from Fl where I watched them destroy that state as well. That bear shouldn't have been murdered. Smh....
Why promote it then ? just for clicks ? Why not promote that Anakeesta should get a huge fine ! For untrained employees ! Close the doors turn on the air conditioning and set up bear deterrents In food areas we keep take up more of there yard by putting up more zip lines ? Pathetic !
Your never going to stop morons from feeding bears ! And don't tell the once they eat human food there done ! I see them in dumpsters in GBurg all the time ! So if some stops to watch a bear eating human food out of a dumpster and a person stops and watches the bear dies ? Get off the best place to eat videos like 20 other people are doing about the same crap and do some that will help save the bears
@@geoffdevore6321 absolutely. The amount of people that come to Gatlinburg and feeding the bears is always part of their " vacation " is ridiculous. I see it all the time. People asking for to go boxes at the restaurants to take leftovers " to feed the bears" is a lot more than most realize. Low IQ morons.
I dont believe that. I just got back from Gatlinburg. I was there 3 days. Seen 3 different bears. 1 in the day 2 at night and one got within a foot of me. They are dumpster diving restaurants and hotels. I didn't see anybody feeding them.
I posted 3 videos of vacation tv feeding bears at his cabin. I called the wildlife department and I was informed it is not illegal to feed bears unless it happens in the national park. This law needs to be changed asap
I'm at the Gatlinburg Inn and was sitting by the river. A black bear came within 10ft of me, looked at me and stopped for a sec, and thankfully continued on his journey.
As long as they continue to cover the mountains with carnival attractions and cabin rental clusters, little will change. The area is now marketed more towards those wanting to connect with the carnival rather than those looking to connect with nature. When a bear visits their cabin, parents allow the kids to feed the bears like they would feed the goats, it’s part of their carnival experience. Unfortunately the fed bear becomes a dead bear.
@@derekk6906 I Called the Tennessee Wild Life Department on a man who feeds the bears and her cubs on his deck and I was told it is not illegal for people to feed the bears unless it happens in the National Park. Watch the videos at Vacation Station TV. He named her Rosie. And he has a RUclips channel called Smoky Mountain Travel.
Bears are like people they will always go the easy route. Just like you did. If people don't feed them they would go back to where they belong and dodge humans altogether.
That was my point, the area is marketed more towards people looking to connect with the Carnival rather than Nature. They consider feeding Bears part of the Carnival experience like feeding Goats. Little will change as the Carnival Grows and Nature shrinks.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing this!!! I consider myself a very compassionate animal lover. Part of that compassion is following the rules of not feeding wildlife. Black bears are highly intelligent creatures. Unfortunately, they will take the easy pickings for food; handouts, garbage, etc. As a biologist and college professor, I emphasize to my students the importance of good stewardship; don't feed them (no matter how cute they are) and try to keep food contained. It's so sad to hear of a bear being euthanized for being a repeat offender, but these poor animals have become so acclimated to our presence that they can't survive well on their own. Many of these bears whose stomachs have been analyzed following euthanasia have aluminum foil and plastics in their gut. So, they're gastrointestinal health is compromised, and they're suffering. In a town like Gatlinburg, there are so many tempting food smells in the air. That's no fault of us humans, but when these guys venture too close over and over again, the only humane thing to do is euthanize. Still, it's not the outcome we wish to see. Here is a link I use to prompt discussions about this topic with my students: home.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm
Last year we stayed at the appy lodge right as you get in town. It was fall and they had apple cider cooking in the lobby,I guess the bear smelled it and came right into the lobby. The employees ran him up. Then they turned of the automatic door. We also stayed in the cabins right behind there. The employees told me at least eight or nine bears live back there.
Unfortunately, another PART of the problem is the park, since it is a protected area, I think the park could be over populated with bears & the competition between bears for food is increasing. However, rather than leaving the park in search for food, they go to where there smell food. If more people would follow this , man's instructions, the bears would be better off. THANX for a great informative video.
Great video Ryan. 😊this is A very important video. People need yo know why they are not to feed the bears. You did a fantastic job with this video. Excellent interview Excellent information. Well done as always Ryan! Keep pushing the plow! Keep up the great work. Godbless you brother.
We live about 5 miles from the Bush’s Bean plant. We have had several instances of a Mama Bear with a yearling getting near our house. The yearling was on our front deck once and startled me as much as I startled him. We are always mindful to not leave or put food or trash outside. Respect their territory and people will be fine. Unfortunate that people have been feeding them and are inviting this behavior now.
Very well done and very educational. Thank you so much for informing the visitors that we are in the bears environment. We can change our behaviors and theirs for the better if we follow the rules and nit feed the bears.
Thanks for the information. I have experienced a black bear walking back to my car with friends in the evening in downtown Gatlinburg. We stopped and let the black bear cross the street and into an alley. It was dumpster diving. We as humans have to remember we are in their territory and treat bears with respect(meaning don’t feed them). Also reporting bears when need to is important to protect everyone (bears & humans).
Cans need to be locked. In Asheville we lock our cans in a cage that is almost like a cage that divers go down to dive with sharks. Strong stuff. I watch them flip out trying to get to the garbage. All cans need locking lids especially dumpsters. Because I would hate for someone to throw something away and a bear jump out at them. (Had a raccoon do that once.)
Thanks for the informative video, Ryan. We have problems with alligators down here in S Louisiana where I live. People at work were constantly feeding the gators. When they started coming out of the water and walking up to the people, security at work caught and killed the gators. Despite signs all over, people continued to feed them, and these amazing creatures ended up losing their lives. I hate to see the same thing happening with those beautiful bears.
The city needs to crack down on businesses trash cans and dumpster. The last 3 or 4 visits we have seen them get into ones that were not bear proof or broken. They should be denied business licenses/renewals if they don’t follow the rules. The pizza place beside Ober and the tattoo shop was the last two places we witnessed it.
Thank you so much. I was there last November. Had a very close encounter while walking back to my cabin on River Street. I was less than 5 feet from it. It was dark. I was taking pictures of the decorations when my Mom stopped me. The bear ignored me and went on across the street. It was coming into town for food. I stood still and let him go on his way. Often wondered if that bear would eventually become a problem. Glad I didn't have food on me at the time. Be watchful at all times.
Friday morning, my wife and I are leaving our hotel room for breakfast when we immediately noticed numerous people on our floor (4th) and below us all gawking and pointing. My first thought was it a celebrity?? My inquiry was soon answered by a small bear making its way onto our floor, obviously looking for something to eat. What was surprising was no one seemed overly afraid, instead looking to take pictures and videos. Someone finally said that it was trapped and probably looking to go back the way it came. I was in awe at the many parents that had kids with them more concerned about getting pictures. I get it, it was a cool moment BUT what if the momma bear would have been close behind?? Luckily a good ending for all involved …. This time. This took place at Crossroads Inn & Suites.
Excellent video Ryan! Very informative and detailed with cause and effect. I, like many who watch this video, have learned many things that I did not know before. Stay cool in this summer heat !
Aerosol Spray cans... Doesn't matter what's in it. The sound will make them run away. They think the hissing sound is a snake. My family used to camp in Yosemite when I was a kid and bears were super common and they had several encounters with them. They have old 8mm video I've seen of my uncle chasing them out of the campground area with aerosol cans. Just make sure they are not cornered and do not run away from them. The old brochures given to campers used to advise people about using aerosol cans.
Good video Ryan ! I have bears on my property and I never..ever feed them. ( They like my vegetables though ). Electric fences really work great. We’ve overdeveloped the land and let’s face it..some people are just stupid..” here’s your sign“ 😊. Thanks for posting this 👍
Nobody feeds them in the Tn Plateau where I live. Our population is from the nearby Big South Fork River National Park. They number in the thousands and we don't have problems with them but it's rugged here and not much tourist.
Thank you for posting this. I’m gona post it on my fb page so people will hear this. The last time my husband and I were there we were going to our cabin and saw 3 bears around the corner from our cabin. Our cabin’s AC compressor ended up being broken. It was summer and really really hot. We had to kind of keep the doors open and I was afraid those bears might make there way over to us but they never did. I ended up putting the fireplace cover in the front door. And windows open but the back door was on a hill and it could have gotten in if it wanted too, but I kept it shut. They gave us a better cabin, and extra night for free. But fortunately the bears never came around.
Great PSA, Ryan! After seeing the video of a bear near The Peddler a while back, I've wondered how dangerous those encounters were. It would certainly freak me out! The interview with Matthew was a great idea.
A little advice….. If you are staying in a cabin and a bear approaches the Cabin or Car, use your Key Fob to scare them. It honestly works very well. At first, just hit the lock button so the horn beeps, if the Bear still gets too close for comfort then hit the Red Panic button and watch the Bear take off. It is more effective than banging pots and pans for noise, that only ruins pots and pans.
We were at Anakeesta that evening last week. I was at the ramp going down to where the bird houses are and looked down and saw the bear just below me on the ground. My husband had went down the steps walking around where the kids come off the slides and come back up. He didn't know about the bear and came within 30 feet from the bear he needed to redirect the kids running around down there away from where the bear was. We did see Anakeesta security out there pretty quick looking for the bear.
Thanks for the information. We will be in that area August 5-10. This is our first family trip to the area, and the info you provided did put us at ease!
We stayed in a cabin on a mountain in Gatlinburg. We took a small walk the first evening, heard a noise, got spooked and returned to the cabin. A few hours later, 9 bears arrived. Turns out, the family next door (who lived there) fed the bears every night. Two were mothers with cubs. We couldn’t even enjoy the hot tub without them walking right by us. We heard people in another cabin nearby angrily yelling at them because they couldn’t fix supper outside on the grill without them showing up. Our cabin was beautiful, but the front door lock didn’t work well and we didn’t feel safe at night. Wouldn’t go back.
I don’t know what people do not understand! Give bears a wide berth. People please learn that a fed bear is a dead bear. 🐻 please learn this and know it.
This video was so well done. I love the interview, better than news reporters! I have a question… my husband and I hope to retire to east TN and we always wonder about cooking on the grill. We love to cook out and wondered what your experience with that is… does it attract bears, even after the fact do they smell the food? Especially now that Matt said in the interview that bear noses are 7 times stronger than a hound!
Thank you for this video because too many people are dramatic and not knowledgeable. Those are the ones that either feed wild animals because they are cute or are angry that they have bears coming to eat the food they willingly leave out. Ugh
Bottom line is that folks need to STOP feeding bears thinking they are so cute. I worked for several months in Gatlinburg “Cobbly Nob Village” as an armed security officer. Twice had to deploy non-lethal force to remove bears. Both times in the same cabin rental. Bears know where there’s food or where they got fed. It is not their fault how comfortable they become around us.
I imagine there are families that see these bear statues along the sidewalk and take the kids right up to the bear and make pictures, as if this large black bear was just an overgrown but harmless, cute, cuddly teddy bear. Not the lesson we should be teaching kids, or anybody else, for that matter.
Thank you for this video. I'm coming there in October for vacation. I was there last year. We stayed at Glenstone Lodge. They told us not to leave food in our truck because bears will try everything to get to it. We did see some bears on the Historical Trail by car. They were out about 5:30pm. We never saw them on the streets. Thanks Matt for I r giving us a lesson on bears. Very informative. I took a picture of the phone number. Hope I won't need to use it. Lol.
As a frequent visitor to the Smokies for many years, I feel sorry for the bears ! If we keep spreading out and building in the bears neighborhood we should probably expect visits from a bear. We told the Indians we just wanted to live with them and we see how that turned out. It's not the bear's fault.
Thanks Tina! I would say if it gives you peace of mind to have in your bag, I would. It's one of those things that is better to have and never need, than desperately need and not have!
As long as they can squeeze another China mart, corporate hotel, or country music singer,s bar in they will do it. Again, the almighty dollar. Wonder how much of th he Gatlinburg strip is locally owned?
SURE! YOU ARE NOT GOING TO STOP IT AND IT'S PEOPLE/TOURISTS THAT FEED THEM, NOT THE LOCALS! BY THE WAY, THEY HAVE ALL OF THE GREAT SMOKIES TO LIVE IN BUT, BEARS ARE A DRAWING CARD FOR THE TOURISTS AND THE MERCHANTS ARE ALL FOR IT! SO, SHUT DOWN GATLINBURG? HA! OK! THEN STAY IN UP NORTH IN THE WORST PLACES TO LIVE, AND MOST DANGEROUS, LIVING WITH HUMANS!
Love you talking about the bears being misunderstood! I am from Alabama. I grew up in Mobile AL and I have a love of marine life. I recently was at the beach and people where concerned about sharks I am only concerned about sharks if there are other small fish or schools of fish around then I won't get in the water otherwise when I'm at the beach I'm not concerned because I understand that sharks are going to follow small fish so if I'm at the beach and their are no fish around me I feel safe. When as an Alabama I visit those beautiful Smoky mountains in the fall and spring I don't worry about those bears I understand their habitat and their behaviors. My children have grown up loving to watch the TV show Wild krats and they school me on everything about nature!
I live in Asheville Nc n y’all Tennessee is a hour away. We have plenty of black bears. I say so far I’ve never had a encounter with a bear 🐻 n thank u God
So glad you posted this video. We saw a mom and 3 cubs feeding out of a trash can in the Glades Road area last year. I was trying to find a number to call to report it. I will certainly keep the TWRA number handy when we come down in a few weeks...seems like a lot more bear sightings this year. It's not going to deter us (Uncle Eddie is staying home though).
My wife and I use to go to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge every year, until they ruined the mountains with cabins and turned the whole area into a amusement park. Now, to us, Gatlinburg has lost its beauty and appeal. Sad.
I live really close to Gatlinburg Tennessee but I'm in Kentucky and there's lots of black bears where we're from and it's very common to see them on the walking paths and hiking paths we use cattle prods it don't hurt the bear it just puts him to sleep long enough for you to get away to safety....
On June 15th this year while packing to leave Gatlinburg I had a bear knock me down and grab my cooler out of the trunk. It later came back and my wife got in the car and blew the horn. STOP FEEDING THE BEARS. This one had a cub.
A couple weeks ago we rented a cabin in Gatlinburg. Spent the day at Dollywood and when we came back to the cabin there were two bears mating in the driveway. 😳
That was biggest fear while being there. Crazy thing is that we Anakeesta 2 days before when the bear attacked a concession worker. Great video man. You were my main source of research going there.
The foot print of Gatlinburg hasn't changed too much, feeding the bears is why they are in the public eye so much. When they are fed and aren't afraid of humans anymore, they are removed and destroyed.
Thanks for the information, Ryan. All people need to know this information. Feeding bears makes these beautiful animals lose their lives. Let them use their natural instincts to survive. Man destoys most all of God's nature and creations. This was a great video. Great job.
They are starving . People and traffic constantly. They have still not recovered from the fire devastation that destroyed their natural habitat in this area.
About 2% of the park was burned in those fires. Recovery is well underway. The bear habitat was marginally affected. Bears are opportunistic. If town offers an easy meal, they’ll take it. Visitor ignorance is the problem. I’m a backcountry volunteer and have no problems with bears I encounter on trails deep in the park.
THE FISHERMEN IS MAKING OUT GOOD 7 DAYS WEEK LOOK IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THEY PAY GOOD MONEY AND THEY KEEP THE BEARS AWAY FROM THE STOCK RIVERS AND STREAM WHERE THE TROUT IS!!!!THAT IS THE PROBLEM!! LOOK AT THE VIDEOS AND THE TROUT THEIR CATCHING NOW YOU KNOW WHY THE BEARS ARE HUNGRY GREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@pistolpeteOHyep foid garbage I live here. In mountains..it's always the same..another issue is people getting paid to record as they walk around or anything for that matter..this is part of reason people don't work. America is doomed
@@pistolpeteOHalso there's elephant 🐘 in the room and that is mountain lions wich have seen 3 ..also have had multiple neighbors catch them on camera black 8ft cats....just had my direct neighbor show me the brown one on her camera ..minutes away...they a mountain lion killed my dog.
I have been to Gatlinburg countless times and never had a problem with aggressive bears. I have seen them around town a few times but if you keep your distance and definitely don't feed them, you will be fine. That seems like common sense, they are wild animals. There needs to be strict penalties if you are caught feeding a bear. I don't think there are any, I may be wrong. Great educational video, thanks Ryan.
Thank you for this information. Curious what the bear would do if your pet barks and barks at the bear; just wonder if the bear would attack. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing. We've been coming to Gatlinburg for many years but for now, I am not interested in staying there anymore. We had one in the parking lot of our hotel, and terrified me forever. Our elevator opened onto the parking lot so everytime we had to use it, I had a panic attack that the door would open and there he'd be. In fact, he climbed the stairs as well, so opening our door was scary too. We told them in the front office, and the girl just said "Yeah, that happens all the time"....and that's it. We won't be staying there again for sure. I don't care WHY they are coming around people, I don't want to be near one. If we come again, we'll stay in Pigeon forge. I know they're also there, but much less sightings.
They are coming around people because of the idiots that are feeding them. They get used to people because of this and will keep getting closer. The problem is people not the bears.
Will be in GB in just on 4 weeks time! Can't wait! As an Australian, we're used to dangerous bears - our Drop Bears. Hope the lady at the food truck is fine. Great interview and tips from the bear expert - nice!
My heartbreaking for these poor bears. Why would humans be feeding them and risking their life’s? They are beautiful amazing gifts from God to be protected and admired from afar.
If it makes anyone feel safe just know that my family has come to pigeon forge/gatlinburg since 2008 for about a month each year and we have never run or seen a black bear out and about. People look at us like we are crazy when we tell them that but it's true. The closest we came to seeing one ended up being a dog lol.
Wow, last week 3 separate bear visited our cabin 6 out of 7 days and 4 while we were in Roaring Fork. You must be staying in hotels and seldom leaving Pigeon Forge strip?
@derekk6906 Nope. We have never stayed in a motel/hotel. Always cabins. So much so we have a discounted pricing setup with cabins usa 😂. I'm telling you, when we tell people they are absolutely shocked. We were there last week as well. We go all over and have even gone out into the parks and such and nothing.
@derekk6906 I will say that we take precautions. We never keep food in out vehicles and if we have food we bring it in immediately. We also don't take out the trash until the morning we leave town but we don't have much because we tend to always eat out and not cook at the cabins we stay at.
Wow, that’s amazing. We visit 2-3 times a year from Michigan. Was talking with the Wife and we can’t recall the last time we Didn’t see at least one Bear.
we were staying at a cabin up the mountain between gatlinbueg and pidgeon forge and as we were marveling at the great cabin we were about to stay in for a week, a bear climbed in the back window of my truck and ate all the dunkin munchkins in the truck from the ride in. he ran when he saw us.
I have a video of a trip walking downtown Gatlinburg and a very large black bear deciding to take a leisurely walk. I was surprised at the amount of people that wanted to run up close to it and get a picture. 😮
Thank you for posting this, just like you showed a bear in your driveway. Wild animals can be anywhere. They’re more than likely looking for food. Keep your distance and don’t feed them.
We see black bears here in PA often, but they usually run if they see or hear you first. Hiking in TN years back, encountered one with hubs on the trail and it had NO fear of us, and we are both very tall, very loud, formidable people. Luckily it was a popular trail and more people came along so we were all yelling and it walked away, eventually. We did not want to get take the “drastic “ option. But would have if necessary.
Was just camping in elkmount 10 days ago. Woke up to a black bear male at my fire pit. I had my coffee in my chair and we chilled toghter. Left wife and dog in tent. Didn't tell them till he was gone.of course ilive in knoxville and camp elkmount a bunch. I know the smoky bears and how to ignore and keep food secure.of course I was armed as very last defence
The smokies is the Bears Habatat and I know alot of people Loves Dolly but Dolly has driven the Bears out into the city of Gatlinburg in other counties all they think about is money making for tourists so we get what we get now the Bears have Lost their Habatat mainly Because of Dolly have no used for people running wildlife out of the mountains thanks for sharing your videos Becarefull your self
Thank you for showing these videos. It is sad that they are used to humans and seem to be unafraid. They had definitely been fed at some point. It is sad though that TWRA couldn't take them somewhere instead of killing them. They should have been put in a zoo or somewhere like that IMO. Even if they were at the Three Bears Gift Shop would have been fine with me instead of killing those teenagers. 😢😢 It breaks my heart that everyone wants to see a bear when they come visit us but don't want to follow the rules and they get too close and even feed them. It's a mixed bag of feelings for me.
After seeing these recent videos on social media of Gatlinburg Tennessee Bears getting close to people, we wanted to talk with TWRA and go over Is it safe, how you can prevent incidents like this and what you should do if you do find yourself in a close encounter with black bear in The Smokies.
They keep DESTROYING their habitat! That's why they are being seen more and more. It's horrific what they are doing to these mountains.
I'm retired and moved here from Fl where I watched them destroy that state as well. That bear shouldn't have been murdered.
Smh....
You know they killed the bear right !
@@robertg8875 did you watch the video?
Why promote it then ? just for clicks ? Why not promote that Anakeesta should get a huge fine ! For untrained employees ! Close the doors turn on the air conditioning and set up bear deterrents In food areas we keep take up more of there yard by putting up more zip lines ? Pathetic !
Your never going to stop morons from feeding bears ! And don't tell the once they eat human food there done ! I see them in dumpsters in GBurg all the time ! So if some stops to watch a bear eating human food out of a dumpster and a person stops and watches the bear dies ? Get off the best place to eat videos like 20 other people are doing about the same crap and do some that will help save the bears
Gatlinburg’s new slogan is “a fed bear is a dead bear.” Respect our bears! Thank you for sharing the message.
It isn't new. I had the bumper sticker 25 years ago.
Yeah that's not new at all, very old saying in Gatlinburg. Decades old.
We don't have a bear problem, we have a " people feeding the bears" problem!!
👍
Bears have a people problem.
Either that or their acting a fool of themselves towards the bear.😂
@@geoffdevore6321 absolutely. The amount of people that come to Gatlinburg and feeding the bears is always part of their " vacation " is ridiculous. I see it all the time. People asking for to go boxes at the restaurants to take leftovers " to feed the bears" is a lot more than most realize. Low IQ morons.
I dont believe that. I just got back from Gatlinburg. I was there 3 days. Seen 3 different bears. 1 in the day 2 at night and one got within a foot of me. They are dumpster diving restaurants and hotels. I didn't see anybody feeding them.
I posted 3 videos of vacation tv feeding bears at his cabin. I called the wildlife department and I was informed it is not illegal to feed bears unless it happens in the national park. This law needs to be changed asap
Do you have a link to the video?
@@AdventureIsOutThere I posted them in the comments on here.
@@dhigdon0629 we don’t see it 🤔
@@AdventureIsOutThere did you see where I posted the videos are is the videos not playing when you click on them
@@dhigdon0629 no we don’t see any video shared here on RUclips, are you able to share the link to the video here?
Be a good human. Please dont feed our bears. Ryan thank you for spreading the word.
Hi RobOlgratree
I AGREE! NEVER!
I'm at the Gatlinburg Inn and was sitting by the river. A black bear came within 10ft of me, looked at me and stopped for a sec, and thankfully continued on his journey.
As long as they continue to cover the mountains with carnival attractions and cabin rental clusters, little will change. The area is now marketed more towards those wanting to connect with the carnival rather than those looking to connect with nature. When a bear visits their cabin, parents allow the kids to feed the bears like they would feed the goats, it’s part of their carnival experience. Unfortunately the fed bear becomes a dead bear.
@@derekk6906 I Called the Tennessee Wild Life Department on a man who feeds the bears and her cubs on his deck and I was told it is not illegal for people to feed the bears unless it happens in the National Park. Watch the videos at Vacation Station TV. He named her Rosie. And he has a RUclips channel called Smoky Mountain Travel.
Bears are like people they will always go the easy route. Just like you did. If people don't feed them they would go back to where they belong and dodge humans altogether.
That was my point, the area is marketed more towards people looking to connect with the Carnival rather than Nature. They consider feeding Bears part of the Carnival experience like feeding Goats. Little will change as the Carnival Grows and Nature shrinks.
I want to THANK YOU for CARING about those of us that visit the Smokies. As Jared King TV says - You can’t always see the wings on an Angel!
I'm following Jared too, he's so precious and understanding person. Great to see one of the family here too.
We see bears all the time 🐻
Here in Cali(LA)
Respect nature!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing this!!! I consider myself a very compassionate animal lover. Part of that compassion is following the rules of not feeding wildlife. Black bears are highly intelligent creatures. Unfortunately, they will take the easy pickings for food; handouts, garbage, etc. As a biologist and college professor, I emphasize to my students the importance of good stewardship; don't feed them (no matter how cute they are) and try to keep food contained. It's so sad to hear of a bear being euthanized for being a repeat offender, but these poor animals have become so acclimated to our presence that they can't survive well on their own. Many of these bears whose stomachs have been analyzed following euthanasia have aluminum foil and plastics in their gut. So, they're gastrointestinal health is compromised, and they're suffering. In a town like Gatlinburg, there are so many tempting food smells in the air. That's no fault of us humans, but when these guys venture too close over and over again, the only humane thing to do is euthanize. Still, it's not the outcome we wish to see. Here is a link I use to prompt discussions about this topic with my students: home.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm
Last year we stayed at the appy lodge right as you get in town. It was fall and they had apple cider cooking in the lobby,I guess the bear smelled it and came right into the lobby. The employees ran him up. Then they turned of the automatic door. We also stayed in the cabins right behind there. The employees told me at least eight or nine bears live back there.
Unfortunately, another PART of the problem is the park, since it is a protected area, I think the park could be over populated with bears & the competition between bears for food is increasing. However, rather than leaving the park in search for food, they go to where there smell food. If more people would follow this , man's instructions, the bears would be better off. THANX for a great informative video.
Great video Ryan. 😊this is A very important video. People need yo know why they are not to feed the bears. You did a fantastic job with this video. Excellent interview Excellent information. Well done as always Ryan! Keep pushing the plow! Keep up the great work. Godbless you brother.
We live about 5 miles from the Bush’s Bean plant. We have had several instances of a Mama Bear with a yearling getting near our house. The yearling was on our front deck once and startled me as much as I startled him. We are always mindful to not leave or put food or trash outside. Respect their territory and people will be fine. Unfortunate that people have been feeding them and are inviting this behavior now.
Very well done and very educational. Thank you so much for informing the visitors that we are in the bears environment. We can change our behaviors and theirs for the better if we follow the rules and nit feed the bears.
Thanks for the information. I have experienced a black bear walking back to my car with friends in the evening in downtown Gatlinburg. We stopped and let the black bear cross the street and into an alley. It was dumpster diving. We as humans have to remember we are in their territory and treat bears with respect(meaning don’t feed them). Also reporting bears when need to is important to protect everyone (bears & humans).
Cans need to be locked. In Asheville we lock our cans in a cage that is almost like a cage that divers go down to dive with sharks. Strong stuff. I watch them flip out trying to get to the garbage. All cans need locking lids especially dumpsters. Because I would hate for someone to throw something away and a bear jump out at them. (Had a raccoon do that once.)
Thanks for the informative video, Ryan. We have problems with alligators down here in S Louisiana where I live. People at work were constantly feeding the gators. When they started coming out of the water and walking up to the people, security at work caught and killed the gators. Despite signs all over, people continued to feed them, and these amazing creatures ended up losing their lives. I hate to see the same thing happening with those beautiful bears.
Absolutely PERFECT video!! So much information in just a few minutes. I hope people watch this video and take it to heart!
The city needs to crack down on businesses trash cans and dumpster. The last 3 or 4 visits we have seen them get into ones that were not bear proof or broken. They should be denied business licenses/renewals if they don’t follow the rules.
The pizza place beside Ober and the tattoo shop was the last two places we witnessed it.
Thank you so much. I was there last November. Had a very close encounter while walking back to my cabin on River Street. I was less than 5 feet from it. It was dark. I was taking pictures of the decorations when my Mom stopped me. The bear ignored me and went on across the street. It was coming into town for food. I stood still and let him go on his way. Often wondered if that bear would eventually become a problem. Glad I didn't have food on me at the time. Be watchful at all times.
Friday morning, my wife and I are leaving our hotel room for breakfast when we immediately noticed numerous people on our floor (4th) and below us all gawking and pointing.
My first thought was it a celebrity?? My inquiry was soon answered by a small bear making its way onto our floor, obviously looking for something to eat.
What was surprising was no one seemed overly afraid, instead looking to take pictures and videos. Someone finally said that it was trapped and probably looking to go back the way it came. I was in awe at the many parents that had kids with them more concerned about getting pictures.
I get it, it was a cool moment BUT what if the momma bear would have been close behind?? Luckily a good ending for all involved ….
This time.
This took place at Crossroads Inn & Suites.
Well done! This gets necessary info out there, and dispels any Gatlinburg rumors. Sorry for all the bad news, bears! Haha
Excellent video Ryan! Very informative and detailed with cause and effect. I, like many who watch this video, have learned many things that I did not know before. Stay cool in this summer heat !
Aerosol Spray cans... Doesn't matter what's in it. The sound will make them run away. They think the hissing sound is a snake. My family used to camp in Yosemite when I was a kid and bears were super common and they had several encounters with them. They have old 8mm video I've seen of my uncle chasing them out of the campground area with aerosol cans. Just make sure they are not cornered and do not run away from them. The old brochures given to campers used to advise people about using aerosol cans.
Good information thanks Ryan
Our pleasure, we hope it helps keep people & bears safe Julie! 🐻
Good video Ryan ! I have bears on my property and I never..ever feed them. ( They like my vegetables though ). Electric fences really work great. We’ve overdeveloped the land and let’s face it..some people are just stupid..” here’s your sign“ 😊. Thanks for posting this 👍
Nobody feeds them in the Tn Plateau where I live. Our population is from the nearby Big South Fork River National Park. They number in the thousands and we don't have problems with them but it's rugged here and not much tourist.
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
Our pleasure!
Thank you for posting this. I’m gona post it on my fb page so people will hear this. The last time my husband and I were there we were going to our cabin and saw 3 bears around the corner from our cabin. Our cabin’s AC compressor ended up being broken. It was summer and really really hot. We had to kind of keep the doors open and I was afraid those bears might make there way over to us but they never did. I ended up putting the fireplace cover in the front door. And windows open but the back door was on a hill and it could have gotten in if it wanted too, but I kept it shut. They gave us a better cabin, and extra night for free. But fortunately the bears never came around.
Great PSA, Ryan! After seeing the video of a bear near The Peddler a while back, I've wondered how dangerous those encounters were. It would certainly freak me out! The interview with Matthew was a great idea.
Very informative video.....Everyone, stay safe.....
A little advice….. If you are staying in a cabin and a bear approaches the Cabin or Car, use your Key Fob to scare them. It honestly works very well. At first, just hit the lock button so the horn beeps, if the Bear still gets too close for comfort then hit the Red Panic button and watch the Bear take off. It is more effective than banging pots and pans for noise, that only ruins pots and pans.
Thank you so much for sharing this information and thank you to Matthew. It is greatly appreciated!
Our pleasure Kathy!
We were at Anakeesta that evening last week. I was at the ramp going down to where the bird houses are and looked down and saw the bear just below me on the ground. My husband had went down the steps walking around where the kids come off the slides and come back up. He didn't know about the bear and came within 30 feet from the bear he needed to redirect the kids running around down there away from where the bear was. We did see Anakeesta security out there pretty quick looking for the bear.
Thanks for the information. We will be in that area August 5-10. This is our first family trip to the area, and the info you provided did put us at ease!
Wow we are going august 1-7 our first family trip too… now all the kids are worried about bears lol😂
50 yrs ago when I was in my 20's Gatlinburg was rural and amazing unscathed beauty. Now....lls.
We stayed in a cabin on a mountain in Gatlinburg. We took a small walk the first evening, heard a noise, got spooked and returned to the cabin. A few hours later, 9 bears arrived. Turns out, the family next door (who lived there) fed the bears every night. Two were mothers with cubs. We couldn’t even enjoy the hot tub without them walking right by us. We heard people in another cabin nearby angrily yelling at them because they couldn’t fix supper outside on the grill without them showing up. Our cabin was beautiful, but the front door lock didn’t work well and we didn’t feel safe at night. Wouldn’t go back.
I don’t know what people do not understand! Give bears a wide berth. People please learn that a fed bear is a dead bear. 🐻 please learn this and know it.
Best bear video yet.
Thanks Marilyn, we hope it helps bring awareness & a reminder to not feed bears or get too close!
Great info everyone needs know this Thank you so much for sharing 👍👍
This video was so well done. I love the interview, better than news reporters!
I have a question… my husband and I hope to retire to east TN and we always wonder about cooking on the grill. We love to cook out and wondered what your experience with that is… does it attract bears, even after the fact do they smell the food? Especially now that Matt said in the interview that bear noses are 7 times stronger than a hound!
Great info for safety and prevention-interview with Matthew was informative.
Thank you for your prospective.
Thank you for this video because too many people are dramatic and not knowledgeable. Those are the ones that either feed wild animals because they are cute or are angry that they have bears coming to eat the food they willingly leave out. Ugh
Thank you. Very informative
Bottom line is that folks need to STOP feeding bears thinking they are so cute. I worked for several months in Gatlinburg “Cobbly Nob Village” as an armed security officer. Twice had to deploy non-lethal force to remove bears. Both times in the same cabin rental. Bears know where there’s food or where they got fed. It is not their fault how comfortable they become around us.
I imagine there are families that see these bear statues along the sidewalk and take the kids right up to the bear and make pictures, as if this large black bear was just an overgrown but harmless, cute, cuddly teddy bear. Not the lesson we should be teaching kids, or anybody else, for that matter.
Thank you for this video. I'm coming there in October for vacation. I was there last year. We stayed at Glenstone Lodge. They told us not to leave food in our truck because bears will try everything to get to it. We did see some bears on the Historical Trail by car. They were out about 5:30pm. We never saw them on the streets.
Thanks Matt for I r giving us a lesson on bears. Very informative. I took a picture of the phone number. Hope I won't need to use it. Lol.
There are pictures of this same thing happening in the 1920’s. Not a new problem.
I have seen bears everywhere my entire stay and I’m still here
As a frequent visitor to the Smokies for many years, I feel sorry for the bears ! If we keep spreading out and building in the bears neighborhood we should probably expect visits from a bear. We told the Indians we just wanted to live with them and we see how that turned out. It's not the bear's fault.
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Great video. I’m not nervous at all. But would you still recommend bringing bear spay if you go hiking in the Smokies? What about the local trails?
Thanks Tina! I would say if it gives you peace of mind to have in your bag, I would. It's one of those things that is better to have and never need, than desperately need and not have!
Man is taking over the bear's habitat. They need to STOP BUILDING ALL OVER THE COUNTRYSIDE.
EXACTLY
As long as they can squeeze another China mart, corporate hotel, or country music singer,s bar in they will do it. Again, the almighty dollar. Wonder how much of th he Gatlinburg strip is locally owned?
SURE! YOU ARE NOT GOING TO STOP IT AND IT'S PEOPLE/TOURISTS THAT FEED THEM, NOT THE LOCALS! BY THE WAY, THEY HAVE ALL OF THE GREAT SMOKIES TO LIVE IN BUT, BEARS ARE A DRAWING CARD FOR THE TOURISTS AND THE MERCHANTS ARE ALL FOR IT! SO, SHUT DOWN GATLINBURG? HA! OK! THEN STAY IN UP NORTH IN THE WORST PLACES TO LIVE, AND MOST DANGEROUS, LIVING WITH HUMANS!
@@mcloud7426 THEN DON'T GO!
@@lydiamcpherson7925 DON'T GO! STAY OUT OF THE NATIONAL FORESTS TOO!
Love you talking about the bears being misunderstood! I am from Alabama. I grew up in Mobile AL and I have a love of marine life. I recently was at the beach and people where concerned about sharks I am only concerned about sharks if there are other small fish or schools of fish around then I won't get in the water otherwise when I'm at the beach I'm not concerned because I understand that sharks are going to follow small fish so if I'm at the beach and their are no fish around me I feel safe. When as an Alabama I visit those beautiful Smoky mountains in the fall and spring I don't worry about those bears I understand their habitat and their behaviors. My children have grown up loving to watch the TV show Wild krats and they school me on everything about nature!
Thanks for watching Sherri!
Very interesting. Good information. We are always excited to see bears.....at a distance!
I live in Asheville Nc n y’all Tennessee is a hour away. We have plenty of black bears. I say so far I’ve never had a encounter with a bear 🐻 n thank u God
So glad you posted this video. We saw a mom and 3 cubs feeding out of a trash can in the Glades Road area last year. I was trying to find a number to call to report it. I will certainly keep the TWRA number handy when we come down in a few weeks...seems like a lot more bear sightings this year. It's not going to deter us (Uncle Eddie is staying home though).
My wife and I use to go to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge every year, until they ruined the mountains with cabins and turned the whole area into a amusement park. Now, to us, Gatlinburg has lost its beauty and appeal. Sad.
I live really close to Gatlinburg Tennessee but I'm in Kentucky and there's lots of black bears where we're from and it's very common to see them on the walking paths and hiking paths we use cattle prods it don't hurt the bear it just puts him to sleep long enough for you to get away to safety....
Well said Ryan good information. My Husband an i will be in the area August 15-18.
Don't you mean, in.... the Beara Aug 15-18!🙂
On June 15th this year while packing to leave Gatlinburg I had a bear knock me down and grab my cooler out of the trunk. It later came back and my wife got in the car and blew the horn. STOP FEEDING THE BEARS. This one had a cub.
A couple weeks ago we rented a cabin in Gatlinburg. Spent the day at Dollywood and when we came back to the cabin there were two bears mating in the driveway. 😳
I guess they didn't have money for a cabin and privacy.
Wow- great video! Thanks for being an advocate for bear and human safety. Hearing the messages from a local and an expert is a great combo!
That was biggest fear while being there. Crazy thing is that we Anakeesta 2 days before when the bear attacked a concession worker. Great video man. You were my main source of research going there.
It didn't attack her. They both scared each other and it pushed her out of it's way and ran off.
Thanks, that’s very encouraging to hear Santos Chronicles!
Thanks for sharing this information. Do you think with all the heavy building and construction that has driven bears out of their habitat??
The foot print of Gatlinburg hasn't changed too much, feeding the bears is why they are in the public eye so much. When they are fed and aren't afraid of humans anymore, they are removed and destroyed.
Thanks for the information, Ryan. All people need to know this information. Feeding bears makes these beautiful animals lose their lives. Let them use their natural instincts to survive. Man destoys most all of God's nature and creations. This was a great video. Great job.
They are starving . People and traffic constantly. They have still not recovered from the fire devastation that destroyed their natural habitat in this area.
About 2% of the park was burned in those fires. Recovery is well underway. The bear habitat was marginally affected. Bears are opportunistic. If town offers an easy meal, they’ll take it. Visitor ignorance is the problem. I’m a backcountry volunteer and have no problems with bears I encounter on trails deep in the park.
Utter nonsense. Perhaps you are not aware of the size of the smokies and the appalachians. You don't know what u speak of.
THE FISHERMEN IS MAKING OUT GOOD 7 DAYS WEEK LOOK IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THEY PAY GOOD MONEY AND THEY KEEP THE BEARS AWAY FROM THE STOCK RIVERS AND STREAM WHERE THE TROUT IS!!!!THAT IS THE PROBLEM!! LOOK AT THE VIDEOS AND THE TROUT THEIR CATCHING NOW YOU KNOW WHY THE BEARS ARE HUNGRY GREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@pistolpeteOHyep foid garbage I live here. In mountains..it's always the same..another issue is people getting paid to record as they walk around or anything for that matter..this is part of reason people don't work. America is doomed
@@pistolpeteOHalso there's elephant 🐘 in the room and that is mountain lions wich have seen 3 ..also have had multiple neighbors catch them on camera black 8ft cats....just had my direct neighbor show me the brown one on her camera ..minutes away...they a mountain lion killed my dog.
I have been to Gatlinburg countless times and never had a problem with aggressive bears. I have seen them around town a few times but if you keep your distance and definitely don't feed them, you will be fine. That seems like common sense, they are wild animals. There needs to be strict penalties if you are caught feeding a bear. I don't think there are any, I may be wrong. Great educational video, thanks Ryan.
There are penalties, but Tourists are stupid and do it anyway.
Thank you for this information. Curious what the bear would do if your pet barks and barks at the bear; just wonder if the bear would attack. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing. We've been coming to Gatlinburg for many years but for now, I am not interested in staying there anymore. We had one in the parking lot of our hotel, and terrified me forever. Our elevator opened onto the parking lot so everytime we had to use it, I had a panic attack that the door would open and there he'd be. In fact, he climbed the stairs as well, so opening our door was scary too. We told them in the front office, and the girl just said "Yeah, that happens all the time"....and that's it. We won't be staying there again for sure. I don't care WHY they are coming around people, I don't want to be near one. If we come again, we'll stay in Pigeon forge. I know they're also there, but much less sightings.
They are coming around people because of the idiots that are feeding them. They get used to people because of this and will keep getting closer. The problem is people not the bears.
It's a black bear, not a grizzley. Good grief. Yea, you probably need to vacation elsewhere.
@@mcloud7426😂😂😂
@@mcloud7426🤣🤣🤣🤣
Not me spotting my family walking past you in the crosswalk. 😂 We heard you talking and did a double take 😂
And 2 hours later we saw a mama with 3 cubs from the chair lift at Ober
Will be in GB in just on 4 weeks time! Can't wait! As an Australian, we're used to dangerous bears - our Drop Bears. Hope the lady at the food truck is fine. Great interview and tips from the bear expert - nice!
Excellent information!
My heartbreaking for these poor bears. Why would humans be feeding them and risking their life’s? They are beautiful amazing gifts from God to be protected and admired from afar.
If it makes anyone feel safe just know that my family has come to pigeon forge/gatlinburg since 2008 for about a month each year and we have never run or seen a black bear out and about. People look at us like we are crazy when we tell them that but it's true. The closest we came to seeing one ended up being a dog lol.
Wow, last week 3 separate bear visited our cabin 6 out of 7 days and 4 while we were in Roaring Fork. You must be staying in hotels and seldom leaving Pigeon Forge strip?
@derekk6906 Nope. We have never stayed in a motel/hotel. Always cabins. So much so we have a discounted pricing setup with cabins usa 😂. I'm telling you, when we tell people they are absolutely shocked. We were there last week as well. We go all over and have even gone out into the parks and such and nothing.
@derekk6906 I will say that we take precautions. We never keep food in out vehicles and if we have food we bring it in immediately. We also don't take out the trash until the morning we leave town but we don't have much because we tend to always eat out and not cook at the cabins we stay at.
Wow, that’s amazing. We visit 2-3 times a year from Michigan. Was talking with the Wife and we can’t recall the last time we Didn’t see at least one Bear.
Thank you for this video very very informative
Great video
Thanks Rowland, we hope it helps bring awareness & a reminder to not feed bears or get too close!
@@AdventureIsOutThere Yes it did we will be back in pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in November
@@rowlandkrause5930 Awesome, we hope you have a wonderful time then!
I think Uncle Eddy drove by you there in the first part of the video, I saw his old motorhome. 🤣😂 Thanks for sharing this informative video.
we were staying at a cabin up the mountain between gatlinbueg and pidgeon forge and as we were marveling at the great cabin we were about to stay in for a week, a bear climbed in the back window of my truck and ate all the dunkin munchkins in the truck from the ride in. he ran when he saw us.
That bear in the concession stand is cute. I love its ears.
Such a great video with good information!
Thanks for info need that ❤
We will be in Gatlinburg next week! Looking forward to it! Your videos have been extremely helpful!
Thank you!
I have a video of a trip walking downtown Gatlinburg and a very large black bear deciding to take a leisurely walk. I was surprised at the amount of people that wanted to run up close to it and get a picture. 😮
Thank you for posting this, just like you showed a bear in your driveway. Wild animals can be anywhere. They’re more than likely looking for food. Keep your distance and don’t feed them.
Good informative video. Thanks
Because of man's greed they took away the bears homes.
Great info. Thank you
Thanks for the informative video. In your opinion Ryan, what is a bigger concern, alligators or bear?
How is the weather there in Gailtlanburg and Piegon Forge
Hot
Hot
We were there last week, never saw a bear but heard about both these incidents.
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We see black bears here in PA often, but they usually run if they see or hear you first. Hiking in TN years back, encountered one with hubs on the trail and it had NO fear of us, and we are both very tall, very loud, formidable people. Luckily it was a popular trail and more people came along so we were all yelling and it walked away, eventually. We did not want to get take the “drastic “ option. But would have if necessary.
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Was there this past weekend,had a bear come 3ft to my wife and I having drinks outside of our hotel room. Cool experience
Ryan where did you get that hat? I been looking for one!!!
Great video for what to do if we make contact with a Bear
Thanks, we hope it helps Ralph!
Are you in in Gatlinburg and pigeon forge? We're down here too!!😊
Wow thank you so informative! I’m scared of bears
Everybody be safe out there at gatlinburg
Was just camping in elkmount 10 days ago. Woke up to a black bear male at my fire pit. I had my coffee in my chair and we chilled toghter. Left wife and dog in tent. Didn't tell them till he was gone.of course ilive in knoxville and camp elkmount a bunch. I know the smoky bears and how to ignore and keep food secure.of course I was armed as very last defence
The smokies is the Bears Habatat and I know alot of people Loves Dolly but Dolly has driven the Bears out into the city of Gatlinburg in other counties all they think about is money making for tourists so we get what we get now the Bears have Lost their Habatat mainly Because of Dolly have no used for people running wildlife out of the mountains thanks for sharing your videos Becarefull your self
When I was in Tennessee this yr we had one all around cabin. Never showed aggression just curious.
Thank you for showing these videos. It is sad that they are used to humans and seem to be unafraid. They had definitely been fed at some point. It is sad though that TWRA couldn't take them somewhere instead of killing them. They should have been put in a zoo or somewhere like that IMO. Even if they were at the Three Bears Gift Shop would have been fine with me instead of killing those teenagers. 😢😢 It breaks my heart that everyone wants to see a bear when they come visit us but don't want to follow the rules and they get too close and even feed them. It's a mixed bag of feelings for me.
Our pleasure, we hope it helps the efforts to keep people & bears safe!
The bears often return even if moved many miles away as they recall where food is easy.