Rising wildlife encounters prompt officials to remind locals and tourists to keep Pigeon Forge safe for both people and bears.
As autumn winds down, bears across Sevier County are foraging more aggressively — and that’s bringing them closer to human spaces. The City of Pigeon Forge recently issued a “Bear Wise” advisory, reminding everyone to secure trash, close dumpsters, and avoid leaving pet food or coolers outdoors.
The warning comes amid a rise in social media videos showing black bears wandering into cabins and parking lots. While the clips may seem entertaining, wildlife officials stress that human-fed bears often meet fatal outcomes.
“Respecting wildlife means keeping our distance,” said a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officer. “We can admire them from afar and still keep our community — and the bears — safe.”
Visitors are encouraged to use bear-proof containers and report sightings to local rangers when necessary. It’s another reminder that even in a busy tourist town, nature is never far away.
