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Great Smoky Mountains Closes Trails Amid Rising Bear Encounters

4/21/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has closed trails due to rising bear encounters.
The National Park Service says increased bear activity poses risks to visitors.
Officials report about 1,900 black bears live in the park, with spring and summer sightings rising.
Tennessee's law takes effect in July and prohibits feeding bears in designated areas, with fines.
Park officials urge maintaining a 50-yard distance from bears and knowing how to react.

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Story summary

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has closed trails due to rising bear encounters.
The National Park Service says increased bear activity poses risks to visitors.
Officials report about 1,900 black bears live in the park, with spring and summer sightings rising.
Tennessee's law takes effect in July and prohibits feeding bears in designated areas, with fines.
Park officials urge maintaining a 50-yard distance from bears and knowing how to react.