Hidden danger at popular US national park forces trail closures as bear sightings climb

One of the mostvisited national parksin the U.S.is closing parts of its hiking trails as officials deal with a spike in bear activity.

Great Smoky Mountains National Parkin Tennessee has temporarily shut down several trails and backcountry areas due to increased sightings of black bears, according to the National Park Service.

Officials said closures are put in place when bears frequent specific areas or show signs of unpredictable behavior, posing a risk to both visitors and wildlife.

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The park draws more than 12 million visitors each year, meaning even a small increase in bearencounters with visitorscan escalate quickly.

The Smokies are home to roughly 1,900 black bears, one of the densest populations in the country, the National Park Service said.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has temporarily closed several trails and backcountry areas after a surge in black bear sightings.(iStock)

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Bear activity tends to increase in the spring and summer months as the animals emerge from hibernation and search for food, often bringing them closer tohiking trails, campsitesand roadways.

access food left outby visitors or are intentionally fed, they can start to associate humans with food, the National Park Service said.

The Smoky Mountains are home to around 1,900 black bears.(iStock)

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Officials warn this can lead tomore aggressive behaviorand increase the likelihood of dangerous encounters, and, in some cases, lead to bears being euthanized.

reported.

The measure makes it a Class B misdemeanor toknowingly feed bearswhere warning signs are posted, with violators facing fines of at least $250.

Feeding bears or leaving food out can make them link people with food, increasing the risk of dangerous encounters.(iStock)

Park officials are also urging visitors to know how to respond if they encounter a bear.

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The National Park Service advises keeping asafe distance of at least 50 yardsand never approaching or allowing a bear to come closer. 

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If a bear notices you and changes its behavior, such as stopping or moving toward you, officials say you are too close and should slowly back away while facing the animal.

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