GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The City of Gatlinburg, the Smokies BearWise Task Force, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are partnering to host an Open House to educate the public and businesses on bear management practices.
The event will be held on Tuesday, August 13 from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the American Legion Building in Gatlinburg, which is located at 1222 East Parkway. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
This Open House aims to educate residents, businesses, and visitors about living safely and responsibly and best bear management practices, aimed at reducing human-bear interactions.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park wildlife biologist Ryan Williamson will make educational presentations at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on bear behavior. The remainder of the event will be an open house style event with different stations for individuals to receive information on best bear management practices. Among the stations at the event will be BearWise educational literature and signage, a chance to visit with representatives from the TWRA and the Gatlinburg Police Department, and demonstrations of animal-resistant equipment. Information will also be available to rental owners and hoteliers regarding best practices to help reduce human-bear encounters at their properties.
The City of Gatlinburg and TWRA have a longstanding partnership, dating back to 1999, when the two parties began to jointly fund a bear management officer position. Additionally, the two entities work in tandem regarding educational initiatives and the crafting of City ordinances, including Gatlinburg’s animal-resistant container ordinance and areas where those receptacles are required. The Smokies BearWise Taskforce is dedicated to promoting bear awareness and safety through education and community outreach. Comprised of members of the local business community, the TWRA, and the local government, the taskforce’s mission is to reduce human-bear conflicts and ensure a sustainable coexistence between people and bears in the Smoky Mountains region.
For the latest updates from the City of Gatlinburg, visit GatlinburgTN.gov or visit the City’s Social Media pages on Facebook and Twitter.