Cades Cove Rich Mountain Road Closed For Bear Encounter
A popular road in Cades Cove has been closed due to dangerous bear activity. Rich Mountain Road has been closed until further notice because of a close encounter between a visitor in their vehicle and a bear. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials report the bear had become habituated with humans and vehicles. The visitor in their vehicle received minor scratches in the incident. The park service stated the visitor did not contribute to the bear’s habituation with humans. The park service does not plan to euthanize the bear.
Cades Cove Rich Mountain Road Closed For Dangerous Bear Activity
Rich Mountain Road was closed on Saturday, August 5, and will remain closed until further notice. Superintendent Cassius Cash stated “By closing Rich Mountain Road, we are protecting people and bears. 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.”
Closing the road will give the bears in the area an opportunity to eat and forage undisturbed. August is a critical time for bears. Food sources such as berries, acorns, and other usual food sources are not in season. When food sources for bears are low park rangers say bears will often approach vehicles (occupied or unoccupied)searching for food. When someone throws food out for the bears or leaves food on the ground, the bear becomes conditioned to the food and the experience. Bears can associate vehicles as a food source. It can result in dangerous circumstances. Bears that repeatedly approach or threaten humans can be relocated for the bear’s safety or even euthanized for the safety of the public.
Black Bear In Cades Cove
Locals and visitors are encouraged to report any bear incidents or unusual bear activity in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by calling 865-436-1230.
