Bears Taking Backpacks and Chasing Visitors Causes Temporary Closures at This Popular National Park
Multiple bear encounters have led the National Park Service to close sections of a popular National Park after visitors have been chased and even bitten by the animals.
The announcement came on April 20 after two consecutive weekends of bear sightings at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the majority of sightings were uneventful, park rangers responded to three bear-related incidents each weekend. As a result, a popular trailhead has been closed in order to leave more space between humans and bears.
As of April 17, Ramsey Prong Road and Ramsey Cascade Trail are both closed due to increased bear activity. These areas will reopen when rangers determine it is safe to do so. Because it's springtime, bears are particularly active after leaving their dens, and many female bears also have cubs in tow.
This park closure comes after rangers responded to three separate bear-related incidents on the Ramsey Cascades Trail over the course of one weekend. In two of the incidents, bears approached park guests and even stole two backpacks! In the third incident, a bear chased an entire group of people.
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During the previous weekend, three more bear-related incidents occurred at Abrams Falls Trail. These incidents involved an aggressive black bear, and one person was even bitten after entering a closed-off area. Abrams Falls Trail had been closed following the incidents, but has since reopened.
Besides Ramsey Prong Road and Ramsey Cascade Trail-a small area in the north of the park-most of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open to visitors as usual. Heintooga Ridge Road and Parson Branch Road are both still closed for the winter season, while Park Headquarters Road remains closed for work on the water and wastewater systems.
Black Bears in the Great Smoky Mountains
Roughly 1900 black bears call the Great Smoky Mountains home. Because it's the most popular National Park, many visitors spot a bear during their trip. Fortunately, the vast majority of black bear encounters end uneventfully, and that's because everyone follows important safety rules.
It's essential to stay at least 150 feet away from bears and to secure any food items in bear-proof containers. Hike in groups, carry bear spray, and leave pets at home. If you do spot a bear, back away slowly while speaking loudly to help the bear identify you as human. With just a bit of precaution, visiting bear country can be safe and exciting for everyone.
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This story was originally published April 22, 2026 at 5:45 AM.