Closure of Scenic Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Due to Bear Activity

Rich Mountain Road was closed by the National Park Service in Cades Cove because bears were seen hunting for food.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park closed a road in the park due to bear activity at a time of year when animals are searching for food.

The National Park Service (NPS), noting that some bears in the park have "become habituated" to vehicles and humans, closed Rich Mountain Road over the weekend. The closure occurs at a critical time for bears, as primary food sources such as berries and acorns do not fall into season.

A visitor driving a car suffered minor injuries after an encounter with a black bear.

"By closing Rich Mountain Road, we are protecting people and bears," Cassius Cash, the park's superintendent, said in a statement. "When people intentionally attract bears with human food or pet food it can lead to a dangerous situation for visitors, local communities, and the bears."

NPS stated that it is easy for bears over time to become food-conditioned when park visitors throw food out of vehicles or leave food on ground. Food-conditioned bears can become aggressive towards vehicles and people.

The NPS reminds visitors to maintain a safe distance from animals. Visitors to the park should keep at least 150 feet from bears. They must also "never approach, feed or leave out food or trash" for them.

It's not the first time Great Smoky Mountains National Park was closed because of bear activity. The park closed trails last year in order to allow black bears to feed in the area before hibernating.

The NPS has also warned visitors before to keep away from animals. The park service warned visitors last month to be extra cautious after two people were hurt in Yellowstone National Park, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Last year, the NPS asked people to stop licking Sonoran Desert Toads. These toads are found in southern Colorado, Arizona and southwestern New Mexico.

 

Source: travelandleisure.com