05/17/2026
What to do when you see a bear on a the trail?
Here's the answer straight from the National Park experts:
🥾 You turn a corner on a trail… and there in the path is a black bear. What now?
(“Outrun my hiking partner” is the wrong answer.)
With more than 1,900 bears in the Smokies, there’s a good chance you may see one while exploring the park. Here’s what you should do to keep both you and the bear safe:
🐾 If you encounter a black bear
-Stay calm and alert.
-Do not approach the bear. If the bear is just doing bear things, keep your distance and stand quietly. Enjoy watching the bear from a distance in its natural habitat.
-If the bear stops, watches you, or changes direction toward you, you’re too close.
-Back away slowly while facing the bear. Never run.
🐾 If a black bear approaches or follows you
-Stand your ground. Do not run or turn your back.
-Shout and act aggressively to scare it off, and make yourself look big by raising your arms or lifting your trekking poles into the air.
-Throw non‑food objects (like rocks or sticks) at the bear only if necessary.
-Never feed a bear or leave food behind.
-Use bear spray only as a last resort and only if the bear is within 20 yards.
🐾 If a black bear attacks you
-Fight back. Do not play dead.
📢 When to file a bear incident report
-If you experience unusual bear behavior—such as a bear lingering around campgrounds, picnic areas, or parking lots; showing stalking behavior; or any incident in which a bear obtains human food or garbage—please file a bear incident report on our website using the link below.
-For significant incidents, call 865‑436‑1230. For emergencies, call 911.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/black-bears.htm
NPS Photo
