Safety in Bear Country

Bear Safety: What You Need to Know

Black bears are a vital part of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park ecosystem. These intelligent and resourceful animals roam the forests, searching for natural food sources like berries, nuts, and insects. However, as human activity increases in bear habitats, so do bear encounters. While black bears are naturally shy and prefer to avoid people, their behavior can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or have become accustomed to human food.

To keep both visitors and bears safe, it’s important to respect their space and follow these safety guidelines.

 

Black bear in the forest.

Scott Teodorski

If You See a Bear

Always keep a safe distance from bears. If a bear notices you, remain calm and avoid sudden movements.

• Stay alert – Keep your distance and do not approach.
• If the bear notices you – Stop moving. If it changes its behavior (stops eating, watches you, or moves toward you), you are too close. Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear.
• Never run – This could trigger the bear’s chase instinct. Move away calmly.

If a Bear Approaches You

Bears may approach out of curiosity or to test dominance. Stand your ground and make yourself look intimidating.

• If it keeps following you – Change direction, while facing the bear. If it still follows, stand your ground.
• Make noise – Speak loudly, shout, or clap your hands.
• Look big – Raise your arms, stand tall, or move to higher ground. If you're in a group, stay together.
• Throw objects – Toss non-food items like rocks or sticks to scare it away.
• Never turn your back – Stay facing the bear and don’t run.
• Do NOT feed the bear – This teaches bad behavior and creates dangerous situations for everyone.

If a Bear Attacks

Bear attacks are rare, but knowing how to react can save your life. Your response depends on whether the bear is after your food or sees you as a threat.

• If it attacks you – Fight back aggressively! Try to protect your head and neck while screaming, kicking and fighting back any way that you can! The more people that try to scare away the bear, the more successful this strategy will be.

 

Bear Safety at Campgrounds

Improperly stored food attracts bears, increasing the risk of encounters. Always secure food and trash properly.

• Store food, kitchenware, pet food, and trash properly – Keep all of these items in bear proof containers, bear proof coolers, park provided bear safe storage areas and cables, or by properly hanging your own bear cable. Bear cables should be a minimum of twelve feet in the air and five feet from the tree out on a limb.
• No unattended coolers – Park staff will confiscate improperly stored food items.
• Regulations are strictly enforced – Violators may be fined.

Most bear encounters at campgrounds happen because bears are searching for food. If a bear gets into your food, back away and contact Rangers immediately.

 

Report Bear Encounters

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park does so much to protect our bears and visitors while also educating people about bears. A huge part of how we do this is by tracking bear sitings throughout the park! If you see a bear during your visit, we would love to hear about it and take down a short record of information about your special siting!

For all sightings, please call the visitor's Center at 606-248-2817 or come on in and tell us about it!

In case of emergency call 911.

Above all, respect bears and keep your distance.