VIDEO: Gatlinburg bear jumps over cabin deck gate during family vacation
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — A mother bear and three cubs interrupted a family vacation in Gatlinburg last month.
Joseph Barron was on vacation with his family at a cabin in Gatlinburg when they noticed frequent visits from the bears. Barron said when they first got to the cabin, there was a group of bears walking up the street.
On Sept. 23, Barron captured a video of one of the bears walking up beside the cabin, coming up the deck steps and then jumping over the gate toward Barron. The video posted on TikTok has gathered more than 15 million views.
Nashville Zoo welcomes new Andean bear
“The bear was walking around the cabin Saturday morning while we where eating breakfast. Me and a few family members walked outside to see the bear,” Barron said.
A photo of a bear jumping the gate of a Gatlinburg cabin’s deck. (Joseph Barron) A photo of the family of bears looking for food. (Joseph Barron)
As they were running, Barron said he dropped a soda and his cousin dropped her plate with a strip of bacon, which the bear ate.
Barron shared four video clips with News 2’s sister station, WATE, each taken on different days. While the family was there, the bears were seen digging in trash cans and scoping out the cabin as the family grilled.
‘Dangerously close’: People urged to steer clear of bears after Gatlinburg video
The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) warned that bears should never be fed or approached, as this can be dangerous for both the bear and people.
Anyone who sees a bear should make their presence known by yelling and shouting at the bear. In addition, the TWRA recommended standing your ground, raising your arms, and throwing rocks if approached by a bear.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
