newsgathers

A group of vacationers in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, experienced a truly remarkable and unexpected wildlife encounter during their stay. While unwinding in a hot tub at their rental property, they were joined by a black bear. This surprising incident underscores the prevalence of wildlife, particularly black bears, in the Smoky Mountains region and serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of coexisting safely with nature. The quick thinking of the vacationers, who promptly vacated the hot tub, allowed the bear to enjoy a refreshing dip, turning a potentially alarming situation into a memorable story of a bear's impromptu spa day.

The incident occurred in Pigeon Forge, a popular gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a region renowned for its rich biodiversity, including a significant black bear population. Felicia Shillingburg and her family were enjoying their hot tub when a black bear ambled around the corner, seemingly with the same intention of taking a relaxing soak. The family's immediate reaction was to retreat, following the crucial safety advice of not approaching bears in the wild.

Remarkably, the bear appeared unfazed by the human presence, making itself comfortable in the now-empty hot tub. This behavior, while surprising to many, is not entirely unprecedented. Instances of bears engaging with human-made amenities, such as swimming pools, have been documented in other regions, highlighting their adaptability and occasional curiosity about human environments. This particular bear eventually departed, leaving the family with an unforgettable tale of their vacation.

The Smoky Mountains are designated as \"Bear Country\" by the National Park Service, meaning encounters with these animals are relatively common. Annually, numerous reports of close interactions with bears are filed, emphasizing the need for both residents and tourists to be aware of bear activity and to adhere to safety guidelines. Experts like Kathi Zollinger, a black bear advocate, stress that while bears are incredibly strong and resourceful, understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures are key to minimizing risks.

To ensure safety during potential black bear encounters, several precautions are recommended. Given that black bears are omnivores with an exceptional sense of smell, capable of detecting food sources over a mile away, proper food storage is paramount. All food, trash, and scented items should be securely stored in locked, hard-sided containers or vehicles, especially in areas known for bear activity. This helps prevent bears from becoming habituated to human food sources, which can lead to more frequent and potentially problematic interactions.

Should a bear be spotted at a distance, it's generally best to observe without interfering. However, if the bear alters its behavior upon noticing humans—such as stopping its activity, changing direction, or making loud noises—it signals a need for humans to slowly back away. Running is ill-advised, as it can trigger a chase instinct. If a bear approaches without aggression, standing ground, speaking loudly, and acting assertively, possibly by throwing non-food objects, can deter it. In the rare event of a physical attack by a black bear, fighting back vigorously with any available means is the advised response, as playing dead is recommended only for brown bear encounters.