Bear precautions taken in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have closed two backcountry camping areas because of bear activity and posted bear warnings in several other areas.
The measures were taken as bears, searching for food, have become increasingly bold in interactions with humans, park spokeswoman Molly Schroer said. No one has been injured.
Bear problems, including animals hanging around camps and coming close to people, are not limited to one location but are scattered across the park. Closed are the Cosby Knob Shelter, in the northeastern corner of the park on the Tennessee side, and Campsite 113 in the southwestern end in North Carolina. Schroer could not estimate how long the areas would be closed.
Under bear warnings are Derrick Knob Shelter, Russell Field Shelter, Campsites 21, 24, 34, 35 and 61, Abrams Falls Trail, Laurel Falls Trail and Bullhead Trail. Visitors are advised to be extremely careful with food and garbage.
Bears are smart and adaptable and will quickly repeat behaviors that prove successful, she said. Campers in the park should always use cables to suspend food bags and avoid having food in tents.
The park has a bear population estimated at about 1,500 and growing.