Bear Activity Forces National Park Trail Closures

Parts of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are temporarily closed as officials address a significant increase in black bear activity. Trails and backcountry areas have been shut down due to frequent sightings and concerning bear behavior, aiming to protect both visitors and the wildlife.

The park, which welcomes over 12 million visitors annually, is home to approximately 1,900 black bears. This dense population, coupled with the natural increase in bear foraging during spring and summer, brings animals closer to human-frequented areas.

Park officials highlight that human actions, such as leaving food accessible or intentionally feeding bears, contribute to the problem. This can lead bears to associate people with food sources, potentially resulting in more aggressive encounters. To combat this, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed a new law, effective July 2026, making it a misdemeanor with fines starting at $250 for knowingly feeding bears in posted areas.

Visitors are strongly advised to maintain a safe distance of at least 50 yards from bears and never approach them. If a bear notices a person and alters its behavior, it indicates the visitor is too close, and they should retreat slowly while facing the animal.