Current:Home > ContactBear euthanized after injuring worker at park concession stand in Tennessee -Apex Capital Strategies
Bear euthanized after injuring worker at park concession stand in Tennessee
View
Date:2025-04-20 09:55:31
Wildlife officials in Tennessee euthanized a bear matching the description of a bear that wandered into a concession stand and helped itself to food before charging at an employee, authorities said.
The bear was caught on camera inside the concession stand — fittingly named Bear Can — on Thursday night at Anakeesta, an outdoor adventure park in eastern Tennessee, officials said in a news release. The bear stood on its hind legs for a few seconds while looking at customers and eating food, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
The bear appeared to be on its way out of the stand when it encountered a worker, startling them both and resulting in "brief physical contact" with a park employee, the agency said. The worker suffered minor, superficial injuries to her arm and back.
Afterward, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency caught several bears. One bear "fitting the description of the bear involved in the concession stand incident" was euthanized after being caught, the agency said. Two others — a female with four cubs and a larger male bear — were caught and then released.
"TWRA does not enjoy having to euthanize any wildlife, especially bears, and we don't do it indiscriminately," Dan Gibbs, a state black bear coordinator, said.
The agency uses a Bear Conflict Matrix to determine if euthanization is appropriate, Gibbs said, adding that this bear was not a candidate for relocation because it had entered a stand with people present and made physical contact with a worker.
Officials with the wildlife agency and the park met on Monday to discuss temporary garbage storage and food access issues inside the park. After the incident with the bear, Anakeesta bought temporary electric fencing and electrified "unwelcome mats" for use when the park is closed to guests, state officials said. The park also ordered steel caging to secure concession stand doors.
There is a large population of black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which surrounds Anakeesta on three sides. "Bears are a big part of the magic in the Great Smoky Mountains," said Austin Martin, Anakeesta communications manager. "The Anakeesta team works diligently to create a safe space to co-exist with the native wildlife."
Tennessee is home to approximately 5,000 to 6,000 bears.
- In:
- Black Bear
- Tennessee
Aliza Chasan is a Digital Content Producer for "60 Minutes" and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.
TwitterveryGood! (797)
Related
- A White House order claims to end 'censorship.' What does that mean?
- Biden praises Schumer's good speech criticizing Netanyahu
- Stanley Tucci’s Exclusive Cookware Collection Is So Gorgeous, You’ll Even Want Your Kitchen to Match
- NASCAR Bristol race March 2024: Start time, TV, streaming, lineup for Food City 500
- Bodycam footage shows high
- 2024 NCAA women's basketball tournament bracket breakdown: Best games, players to watch
- 2024 NCAA women's basketball tournament bracket breakdown: Best games, players to watch
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph on winning the Oscar while being herself
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- 7th Heaven Stars Have a Heartwarming Cast Reunion at '90s Con
Ranking
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Nickelodeon actors allege abuse in 'Quiet on Set' doc: These former child stars have spoken up
- Suspect in fatal shooting of New Mexico State police officer captured
- 'SNL' cast member Marcello Hernandez's essentials include an iPad, FIFA and whisky
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Winners and losers from NCAA men's tournament bracket include North Carolina, Illinois
- Connecticut back at No. 1 in last USA TODAY Sports men's basketball before the NCAA Tournament
- Netanyahu snaps back against growing US criticism after being accused of losing his way on Gaza
Recommendation
Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
Mega Millions winning numbers for March 15 drawing: Did anyone win $815 million lottery jackpot?
Mega Millions winning numbers for March 15 drawing: Did anyone win $815 million lottery jackpot?
It’s March Madness and more people than ever can legally bet on basketball games
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Bring the Heat
Olivia Culpo Influenced Me To Buy These 43 Products
Diving Into Nickelodeon's Dark Side: The Most Shocking Revelations From Quiet on Set