In a tragic incident, a black bear at the Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, was euthanized after injuring a concession stand employee.
The Incident at Anakeesta

The event occurred on June 21, 2024, around 9:30 p.m., when the bear entered the “Bear Can” concession stand, startling customers and staff.
A video captured by Zachary Recchia shows the bear helping itself to food, specifically gumbo, and then lunging at an unsuspecting employee.
The female employee sustained minor injuries to her arm and back but did not require medical attention.
Immediate Response from Wildlife Officials

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) quickly searched for the bear. By June 24, a bear matching the description was found and euthanized.
Theme Park’s Statement

Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park expressed their commitment to working with TWRA to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Ensuring Visitor Safety

The incident has raised concerns about the interaction between wildlife and human activities at the park, prompting a review of safety measures.
Bear’s Unusual Behavior

Witnesses described the bear as unusually bold, standing on its hind legs and interacting with the park’s visitors and staff.
Importance of Wildlife Management

This event underscores the importance of effective wildlife management practices in areas where human and animal habitats intersect.
TWRA’s Role

TWRA plays a crucial role in managing wildlife in Tennessee and ensuring both animal and human safety.
Community Reactions

The local community expressed sadness over the incident, acknowledging the difficult decision to euthanize the bear.
Looking Forward

Anakeesta and TWRA are committed to enhancing safety measures and maintaining a safe environment for both visitors and wildlife.
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