Two days after opening for the summer camping season, Paint Creek Campground is closed until further notice.
According to the Cherokee National Forest’s Facebook page, the campground is closed due to reports of aggressive bear activity. There was evidence of bears entering the campground, taking food, garbage and also attempts by the bear to enter an occupied tent.
Witnesses reported garbage had allegedly been left out in the open overnight, which could attract bears to the area.
Paint Creek Campground, located on the Unaka Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest, is now CLOSED to the public.
This decision is based on a recommendation from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
The site will remain closed until TWRA has either captured the bear or the bear has moved on to another location. This will reduce the opportunity for its behavior to escalate, which could result in injury to the public.
Keep in mind when outdoors that bears are back roaming around.
* Keep food, garbage and other bear attractants in a bear-resistant storage container.
* If you encounter a bear, don’t run! Back away slowly in the opposite direction.
* Stay alert and stay together.
* Don’t leave food scraps or trash.
For more outdoor safety tips visit www.bearwise.org
