How many bears can pile into a sedan? Apparently five!
A mama bear and her four cubs in Gatlinburg were caught hopping into a parked car to grab a bag of snacks. What’s even more wild is that the mama bear opened the car’s door herself.
Kathie Gentry captured the unexpected incident on video while parked next to the car the bears invaded.
“We were thankful they didn’t come to my car next, considering I had snacks and chocolate that I’m sure they would have enjoyed,” Gentry told Storyful.
Although Gentry beeped her horn, it was not enough to run the bear family off. Luckily, no one was hurt and there was no damage to any vehicles, according to Gentry.
What to do if you see a black bear in Gatlinburg
Most bears avoid humans, but they can become unpredictable and dangerous, especially if human food
is involved.
If you see a black bear in East Tennessee, do not approach it. For your safety and the safety of the animal, it is important that you keep your distance.
BearWise.org recommends a few basic guidelines to help keep people safe in a black bear encounter, depending on where you see the bear.
- If the bear is indoors or near a dumpster or building, back away and give it a clear escape route. If it's inside, leave doors open.
- If the bear is in your backyard, remain a safe distance away and make loud noises to scare it away. Be sure it's gone before letting any pets out or removing items that might have attracted it.
- If the bear is in the woods, back away slowly and quietly. Never run, as that might trigger the bear's chase response.
- If you are approached by the bear, stand your ground and try to appear as large as possible. Make loud noises.
- If a black bear charges you, use bear spray. If it makes contact, fight back using your surroundings. Do not play dead.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: An entire bear family climbed into a car for snacks! See the wild video
