Another bear encounter in Gatlinburg has gone viral on TikTok after a video was shared by @katarinawinemiixer capturing a bear wandering up to the front of a Gatlinburg home.
In the video you can see the black bear walking up along the porch of the Gatlinburg home and being confronted by the occupants as it moves towards them. A group of women can be heard telling the bear to "go home" and "you shouldn't be here" as the bear continues to approach the group.
"He smells the bacon," one woman can be heard saying as the bear continues to explore the porch. Another woman can be heard saying, "can I touch it."
Wildlife experts say you should never approach a black bear but to speak calmly and avoid sudden movements which might frighten the bear.
The video ends with the person filming walking towards the bear in an attempt to lead it off the porch before it jumps up on the railing prompting the end of the video and the women to say "get in the house!"
What should you do if a black bear approaches you?
The National Park Service indicates that most bear encounters end without injuries but to stay safe those who encounter a bear should remain calm and follow these guidelines:
- Avoiding an Encounter : If you can avoid a confrontation with a wild animal especially a bear this is the best way to stay safe and avoid an attack.
- Remain calm and speak to the bear : Talking to the bear in a low tone lets it know you are human and not prey. Stand you ground. A scream or sudden movement could initiate an attack
- Pick up small children : Immediately pick up your children. Keep the child calm because loud noises or screams could make the child appear as prey.
- Remain in groups : Since group are louder and contain a stronger odor bear and because of the size of the group could intimidate the bear.
- Make yourselves appear as large as possible : This could be done by standing on your tippy toes, spreading out your arms and legs, and by moving to higher ground.
- Do not feed the bear or allow access to food : Feeding the bear will only encourage it and make it view humans as a source of food.
- If you have a pack don't drop it : Your pack may contain food or be used as protection if the bear attacks.
- Do not run : Running can make you appear as prey. Stand your ground.
- Do not climb a tree : Grizzlies and black bears can climb trees
- Leave the area : Avoid the bear while keeping an eye on it. Do not turn your back and always leave the bear a place to escape.
- Especially avoid female bears with their cubs : Female bears are very protective of their cubs. Never put yourself between a female bear and her cubs. If you appear as a threat to her cubs the chances of an attack dramatically increase.
If attacked by a black bear, you should try to escape to a secure place, and never play dead. If you cannot escape, you must fight back and use any object you can to aid in your defense. Concentrate your strikes on the bear's face and muzzle.
Black bear encounters in Gatlinburg
Seeing a black bear around Gatlinburg is fairly frequent throughout the months of June and July. Beyond sightings, human encounters with bears are becoming more frequent. Physical encounters with bears should be avoided.
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Bears have been seen and filmed in parking lots, trails, picnic tables, hotels, getting into vehicles, and any area that has food that they can break into.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Watch: Black bear crashes Gatlinburg family deck gathering. 'Honey, you gotta go!'
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