Parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were closed after rangers responded to several aggressive bear incidents over the weekend. The incidents happened on two popular waterfall trails and included bears taking backpacks, chasing hikers, and biting a visitor.
Park officials said the encounters took place at Ramsey Cascades Trail and Abrams Falls Trail.
What Happened at Ramsey Cascades
According to the National Park Service, rangers responded to three bear-related incidents at Ramsey Cascades Trail over the weekend.
In two of those encounters, a bear approached visitors and took two backpacks. In a third, a bear showed aggressive behavior and briefly chased a group of hikers.
As of the latest update in the articles provided, Ramsey Cascades Trail and Ramsey Prong Road remained closed while rangers monitored bear activity in the area.
What Happened at Abrams Falls
Rangers also handled three incidents on Abrams Falls Trail involving an aggressive black bear.
In one case, a visitor was bitten after entering a closed area. The articles did not include details about the person’s injuries.
Abrams Falls Trail and the road leading to it had been closed, but CBS News reported they were reopened after several days without bear activity.
Why Bear Encounters Increase This Time of Year
The park says bear activity tends to rise in the spring. That is when the mother bear and cubs are out searching for limited early-season food sources.
Officials said this can make encounters more likely, especially in a park that sees heavy foot traffic. Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives around 12 million visitors each year, making it the most-visited national park in the United States.
The park is also home to an estimated 1,900 American black bears.
What Visitors Need to Know
Park officials say visitors should stay at least 150 feet away from bears. Getting too close can lead to fines or arrest.
Feeding bears is also illegal. The park says that can bring fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail.
Officials have also warned that human food and trash can contribute to unsafe bear behavior. Once bears become used to people and food left behind by visitors, the risk of future encounters can go up.
For RV travelers heading to the Smokies this spring, this is a reminder that bear activity is not limited to remote backcountry areas. Both Ramsey Cascades and Abrams Falls are well-known hiking destinations.
That makes trail conditions and temporary closures worth checking before heading out for the day, especially during spring when bear movement increases.
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