On September 11, backpackers found a deceased person in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The backpackers first found an empty tent at site 82, then witnessed a bear scavenging on what appeared to be a body at a nearby creek.
As reported by ABC News 4, the hikers made a call to emergency staff, and law enforcement and wildlife officials responded. The responding wildlife officials “euthanized” the bear who had been eating the body. It is unknown how the man died, and the incident is under investigation.
Campsite 82 and Hazel Creek Trail have been closed while the death is investigated.
What do you do if you encounter a bear? Click here for guidance from wildlife officials.
(Stock image of bear via Pixabay free images)
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