Video Shows Guests Illegally Feeding Bears in TennesseeVideo Shows Guests Illegally Feeding Bears in Tennessee A video captured by Michelle Payne on June 25 shows individuals intentionally feeding bears from their balconies at the Sidney James Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Feeding bears is illegal in both Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is accessible from Gatlinburg. Consequences of Feeding Bears Feeding bears can result in fines of up to $5,000 and jail time for violators. It is also illegal to litter or improperly store food in Gatlinburg, with similar penalties. In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, disturbing wildlife is also prohibited. Reasons Not to Feed Bears Experts advise against feeding bears for the safety of both humans and the animals. Bears can become aggressive towards humans when associating them with food. Additionally, it can harm their natural foraging behavior and make them overly reliant on human food sources. Proper Storage and Disposal of Waste To prevent bear interactions, it is crucial to keep food and waste secure. Store food and waste in airtight containers and dispose of them properly. Additional Reporting USA TODAY has reached out to the lodge and Gatlinburg police for further information on the incident.
Video shows bears being fed by lodge guests
Guests at a mountain cabin were seen feeding bears in Tennessee. Wildlife officials have banned the feeding of bears.
“Please don’t feed the bears.”
The signs are located throughout America’s national parks as well as other protected areas rural.
But that didn’t stop a group of people from breaking the law in East Tennessee.
Footage captured by Michelle Payne on June 25 shows people intentionally throwing food at a family of bears behind the Sidney James Lodge in downtown Gatlinburg, known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
It is not immediately known whether city officials fined the violators.
Video obtained by USA TODAY shows a group of unidentified people, including several young children, dropping snacks from a lower level of the refuge on a balcony.
According to Payne, a police officer came by and chased the bears away with a siren, but the animals later returned in search of more food.
USA TODAY has contacted the lodge and Gatlinburg police.
Bear cub taken from tree for selfie: No charges filed in case
Offenders who feed bears face a fine of up to $5,000 and jail time
According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, feeding bears and other wild animals is illegal.
In addition to tickets for feeding bears, people can also be ticketed for littering and improperly storing food, according to Gatlinburg city law. Violators face a fine of up to $5,000 and up to six months in jail if found guilty.
In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which was visited by more than 13 million people last year, it is also illegal to touch, disturb or intentionally approach any wild animal within 50 meters, or a distance that disturbs the animal.
Do not feed the bears: for your own protection and that of the bears.
According to experts, it is not wise to feed bears, both for the protection of humans and the animals.
People should avoid feeding wild animals as the animals can become ‘aggressive’ towards humans.
Experts advise people to keep food and waste packaged when not in use.
Featuring Kayla Jimenez.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
