GATLINBURG, Tenn. — A bear entering a Gatlinburg candy store amused many onlookers and gained attention online, but wildlife experts warn it’s anything but funny for the animal involved. Appalachian Bear Rescue said encounters like this often end in the bear's euthanasia due to human interactions.
Greg Grieco, a Great Smoky Mountains National Park ranger, said bears should never enter stores, much less towns and cities like Gatlinburg.
The issue is largely rooted in human behavior. Officials believe this bear was likely fed by people, whether by tourists or local residents, making it more prone to seek out human food sources. Bears conditioned to human food can become persistent and dangerous, often leaving officials with no choice but to intervene.
Gatlinburg police were called to the scene and removed the bear from the store. These officers regularly work with the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency to take part in training to handle bear encounters safely. This training includes bear biology, behavior and strategies to minimize risks during such interactions.
"A lot of times people are calling 911, so it’s important for them to have that knowledge, and that training is really in-depth," said Janelle Musser, a black bear support biologist with the TWRA.
In this case, officials said that if they can identify the bear, it will likely be euthanized to prevent further risk.
"We still have some people who choose to break rules or to just behave poorly because it’s fun and cute," said Grieco. "Unfortunately, the bears still pay the price."
Wildlife experts stress the need for public awareness and adherence to safety measures. This includes keeping garbage secured, storing food properly and never feeding bears. When bears become accustomed to human food, it poses dangers to both the bears and the community.
"Even small actions, like leaving food out, can lead to bigger problems down the line," said Grieco. "The more bears become comfortable around humans, the higher the risks."