The Bear

Un-bear-lievable Encounters in Gatlinburg: From Feeding to Beekeeping

A bear's close encounter outside a Tennessee hotel and insights from a Beekeeping club president at UMaine - read on for the buzz!

In a surprising turn of events in Gatlinburg, a bear made headlines for approaching and touching a woman and child outside a hotel. Wildlife officials revealed that the bear had been fed by hand previously, emphasizing the extreme danger of such interactions. The incident highlighted the risks associated with human-bear encounters and the importance of respecting wildlife boundaries.

Amidst the wild drama, News Center Maine provided a refreshing buzz by interviewing Kat Gross, the president of the Black Bear Beekeepers club at the University of Maine. Gross shared insights on UMaine's recent recognition as a Bee-friendly campus, shedding light on the significance of beekeeping in environmental conservation.

Ending on a sweet note, did you know that bears have an exceptional sense of smell, making them adept at finding food sources from great distances? This heightened olfactory ability plays a crucial role in their survival in the wild. Additionally, bees, crucial pollinators, are responsible for one-third of the world's food supply - making beekeeping initiatives like those at UMaine vital for biodiversity and sustainability.