Large Black Bear Spotted Roaming Pigeon Forge Cabin Community, Prompting Safety Reminders for Smoky Mountain Visitors
PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE — Residents and visitors in Pigeon Forge experienced a surprise encounter this morning when a large black bear was spotted roaming through a cabin community near the Great Smoky Mountains. Photos captured earlier today show the bear walking calmly down a residential road, offering a striking reminder that these communities sit directly within natural bear habitat.
Photos Capture Bear Strolling Through Cabin Neighborhood
Images taken by Jennifer Fitts and James Spahn show the bear walking past cabins, trees, and parked cars—appearing healthy, alert, and unbothered by the quiet morning surroundings. Wildlife officials say sightings like this are common throughout the Smokies, especially during seasons when bears move around searching for food.
The bear did not behave aggressively and continued walking through the area before disappearing into nearby woods.
Officials Remind Visitors How to Stay Safe Around Bears
Because Pigeon Forge sits so close to the Smoky Mountains, bear encounters are an expected part of life in the region. However, experts stress that visitors must follow essential safety guidelines to prevent dangerous interactions.
The key recommendations include:
- Keep your distance whenever bears are spotted
- Never feed bears, intentionally or unintentionally
- Secure all food, trash, and coolers inside cabins or bear-proof containers
- Enjoy wildlife from afar and avoid approaching for photos
Wildlife officials emphasize that feeding bears—directly or indirectly—is one of the leading causes of aggressive behavior and relocation.
A Reminder of Living Beside the Smoky Mountains
Residents described this morning as a “wild start to the day”, noting that bear sightings always serve as a clear reminder of how close communities are to the national park. With thousands of visitors arriving year-round, the Smokies remain one of the most active regions for black bear movement.
Officials encourage visitors to remain calm, respect wildlife boundaries, and remain aware of surroundings, especially in cabin communities where bears frequently pass through.
For continued updates on wildlife activity, visitor safety, and Smoky Mountain travel conditions, stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.