by Politically Incorrect » Mon Jul 05, 2004 7:06 am
Here in the Smoky Mountains Black Bear are the more commom animal seen. Sad thing is the Wildlife Agency will shoot and kill bear that wander into town to get food. Gatlinburg built right in the middle of the National park has bear problems often, the bear get hungry because of lack of food in the mountains and come to eat out of trash cans.
So what do they do? Shoot them.
First off we are invading their territory, Black Bear aren't aggressive but you always get the stupid tourist that has to get a closer look at the cute little baby! Without using the common sense that if there is a baby bear mom isn't far behind, hence the reason for a bear attack. The tourist is also the reason for lack of food in the mountains, traffic, pollution etc, is destroying the natural habitat creating the lack of food for the bear.
I have incountered many bear in my trips in the mountains and never once felt threatened by them, they won't attack unless you give them reason too, they are actually more scared of you than you of them, let them do their thing and it is quite a joy watching them. And no matter how bad you want that "Cute baby bear" photo don't ever go up to a baby!!!! They will want to play with you but mommy is in the woods watching the young and she is really picky as to who her child plays with!!!
Respect the creatures of the woods and they will respect you!
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