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Every year, more than 40,000 people camp in the backcountry
of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Whether you're only camping for the night or you're thru-hiking the
Appalachian Trail, it's your responsibility
to protect the park, others, and yourself.
Visitation of the park has risen along with the black bear population.
This has led to an increase in human-bear
encounters and conflicts, which has led to serious injury and even death.
My name is Randall Bradley.
I would like to take a few minutes to talk about my sister, Glenda Ann.
Glenda was a schoolteacher in Sevier County at Jones Cove Elementary.
May 21st, 2000,
Glenda came here to Elkmont for a Sunday afternoon hike,
starting at this trailhead for Little River Trail.
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When she got back to the metal footbridge, her path was blocked
by two bears at the other end of the bridge.
So, Glenda found a spot where she could wade across the river.
Had to go up a bank on the other side, and started out through the woods.
At that point in time, the two bears gave chase.
They attacked her and killed her.
What made these bears aggressive, I don't know.
But I know that there is a backcountry campsite
near where the attack occurred.
My belief is
that campers camping at that backcountry campsite
fed these bears.
And when the campers left, they left trash and food scraps in the fire pit.
Two things that the National Park Service, throughout the park system,
tries to encourage people to do: one is, don't feed the wildlife
and two, leave no trace.
I would like to ask people in the future using backcountry campsites
to do those two simple things.
And be aware
of the safety of the people that come after you
that use that campsite, and do not create
a dangerous situation for them.
Practicing proper outdoor etiquette in the backcountry can
help prevent human-bear conflicts, not only for you
personally, but for everyone who visits after you.
This includes correctly using the food storage cables
at backcountry campsites and shelters.
When you're camping in the backcountry, you're required
to hang all of your food and scented items.
You can put those in a stuff sack like this and hang it on the bear cables.
That's going to include anything you use for cooking,
especially toiletries, toothbrush and toothpaste,
and other things that have smell.
The cables are capable of holding well over 100 pounds, so there's no gear that you're
going into the backcountry that can't be suspended on them.
In addition to using bear cables, you can make your visit
to the backcountry safer by keeping food scraps and trash
out of fire rings. These items should always be packed out.
Don't eat close to your tent, and never eat inside a shelter.
If you do encounter a bear at your campsite, do not approach it.
Look big, stand together as a group if possible, and use a
loud, dominant voice to scare the bear away. Bang together pots
and pans. Blow a whistle or air horn if you have one.
Even throw rocks, or consider leaving the area,
and always report your sighting to a ranger.
We appreciate you taking the time to educate yourself and
we thank you for visiting the Smokies safely and responsibly.
For more information on how to enjoy the backcountry safely,
visit our website or call the Backcountry Office.
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