Gatlinburg video shows bear approaching man in hotel parking lot. ‘You better move’
After a summer full of bear activity in and around Gatlinburg, another person has been approached by a bear outside a hotel in the city.
In a video recently posted online, a black bear walks out of a space between two buildings and enters the parking lot, where a man, referred to as Curtis in the video, is standing. The man remains still, holding a bucket of ice as the bear begins to come closer.
The bear sniffs in his general direction before turning away.
At first, the speaker, who is not visible, encourages the man to “just stand there,” but as the bear starts to approach, the speaker warns, “You better move.”
What should you do if a black bear approaches you?
BearWise.org recommends a few basic guidelines to help keep people safe during a black bear encounter, depending on where you see the bear.
Video captured the moments when a black bear approached a man in a hotel parking lot in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
If the bear is indoors or near a dumpster or building, back away and give it a clear escape route, and if it’s inside leave doors open.
If the bear is in your backyard, remain a safe distance away and make loud noises to scare it off. Be sure it’s gone before letting any pets out or removing items that might have attracted it.
If the bear is in the woods, back away slowly and quietly. Never run, since that might trigger the bear’s chase response.
If you are approached by the bear, stand your ground and try to appear as large as possible. Make loud noises.
If a black bear charges you, use bear spray. If it makes contact, fight back using your surroundings. Do not play dead.
Bear encounters in Gatlinburg
Black bear sightings around Gatlinburg been frequent throughout June and July. Not only are bears being spotted, but there have been repeated instances of physical contact between bears and humans.
Bears have been reported and in some cases filmed around Gatlinburg hotels, getting into cars and even inside a concession stand at Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park this summer.
Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Gatlinburg video shows bear approaching man in hotel parking lot
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