A bear sighting is never a reason to leave the road, block traffic or move closer for a photograph. Watch from inside your vehicle when a bear is near the Loop Road. If a paved pullout is available, pull completely off the travel lane. Keep the animal an open way to move away.
The distance rule
Willfully approaching a bear within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces it, is illegal in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A bear that stops feeding, watches you or changes direction because you are there needs more space. Use binoculars or a long lens.
If you meet a bear while walking
Stay calm and alert. Do not approach or run. If the bear is at a distance and continues its normal activity, keep watch and give it room. If it reacts to you, slowly back away while facing it. If it approaches or follows, change direction; if it keeps following, stand your ground, stay together, make yourself look large and act assertively. The National Park Service bear guidance explains the response in detail, including the distinction between a bear after food and a bear attacking a person. Review that guidance before a hike.
Do not leave food behind to distract a bear. If a bear attacks and is not after food, fight back; do not play dead. For an emergency, call 911. Report unusual bear behavior or a bear in a developed area to park staff.
Keep food from becoming a problem
Never feed wildlife. Keep food, rubbish and scented items secured, lock vehicle doors and use bear-resistant bins. At the campground, follow the posted food-storage rules. A bear that learns to seek human food can become dangerous to visitors and may have to be removed.
Dogs are not allowed on most park trails and are involved in many bear conflicts. Check the park pet rules before bringing one. For general viewing locations and other species, return to the wildlife guide.