City of Gatlinburg asks residents to skip this popular fall decor item

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Following a recommendation by the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, the City of Gatlinburg is asking residents and businesses to skip a popular fall decor item to reduce the number of human-bear encounters.

On Thursday, the city released a statement asking individuals and businesses to refrain from using real produce to decorate this fall, such as pumpkins, gourds, squash, and corn on corn stalks.

While Gatlinburg is well known for it’s seasonal decorations that emphasize the natural beauty and colorful foliage of the Smoky Mountains in the fall, fresh produce can attract black bears , leading to more interactions between humans and bears. While a pumpkin here or there may seem innocuous, the TWRA says the survival rate for bears that receive human food is a fraction of that of wild bears, and that bear-human interactions are creating an increasing number of potentially dangerous situations.

Instead of fresh produce, that might lure bears closer to where people are, the City suggests using durable and reusable options, like fake pumpkins, squash, gourds, or other faux produce.

“The City appreciates the cooperation of its citizens, visitors, and businesses in adhering to regulations, which helping maintain a safe and harmonious relationship with the natural world,” The release stated.

The announcement comes just weeks after the City posted new signage , BearWise reminders and started using special trash containers to enhance safety in relation to bears. State officials are also considering a statewide ban on feeding bears.

In addition to the request to forgo the fresh, festive gourds, the City also shared a reminder for residents and visitors to remember to secure all trash, remove bird feeders, and store pet food indoors. It’s also important to remember to remove garbage and food from vehicles and to lock vehicle doors as bears can become stuck inside vehicles while searching for food .

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