The Bear Facts

Black-bear attacks in the Great Smokies or elsewhere in the mountains are extremely rare, but they do happen occasionally. If you see a bear—there are about 1,600 black bears in the Great Smokies—don't approach too closely. Never feed bears or leave food out, as most human-bear conflicts result from bears becoming used to eating human food. If a bear comes toward you making loud noises or swatting the ground, it's likely demanding more space. Don't run, but back away slowly. If the bear follows, especially if it is not vocalizing or swatting, stand your ground, shout, and try to intimidate it by throwing rocks.